The final bottling from the Viking Legend series, Valfather was named after the Norse god Odin. It's the most peated whisky to date from Highland Park, a style designed to mimic Odin's power. Valfather was matured in refill casks in order to balance the peatiness and also because the brand supposedly wanted to mirror the ethereal and lighter feel of Valhalla, Odin’s hall. It was bottled at 47% ABV without any additional colouring.
Danish designer Jim Lyngvild returned to help create the distinctive packaging, the inspiration of which was the ancient picture stones from Stora Hammars in Gotland, Sweden.
This bottle was part of a private collection - if you'd like more detailed photos just get in touch!
Robust, but refined smoke fills the nose initially followed by delicate vanilla, Conference pears, green apple skins and a heady, heavy floral richness. Underneath there’s cedarwood, honeycomb, spice from black pepper and nutmeg, as well as salted caramel before the heathery peat makes itself known. A sprightly sea breeze note emerges with time.
Simultaneously huge and yet elegant, the palate is beautifully integrated. Layers of creamy vanilla, apricot yoghurt and a helping of crème brûlée interplay with notes of incense burners, iron and salted almonds. Then there’s bitter orange marmalade, charred wood and dried earth among touches of cacao powder, toffee apples and smoked paprika.
Long and confident. The floral smoke lingers for an age but is offset by tropical fruit and black pepper.
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I would love to give it more stars but for me this is a letdown considering the price. It's okey but not the best Highland park has to offer. Gonna try valkyrie next
I don't know if my bottle is fouled or my perception of a decent, if not good whisky is in stark contrast wih a majority of voters here. No central note, no neat travel between the nose, palate and aftertaste, nothing smooth and rounded. There is a cacophony of flavours, fighting each other, and worst of all... Every sip leaves a distinct feel of acid on the throat which i had never felt with any whisky. As said, it could be a bad bottle, since the valknut, i had bought at the same time tastes better.
This is a very palatable whisky even for someone like me, definitely not a whisky connoisseur! It has a lovely caramel after taste. Very impressed
Reminds me of the old talisker, all but slightly less Smokey. Vanilla and sweetness, with a wonderful kick. Floral note after a while before encouraging another sip.
Got this off my boys for Christmas I must say it's the best whisky I have had and I like my single malt whisky
