F&F Whisky Review #003 - Highland Park 18 Year Old

Highland Park 18 Year Old was one of the first “of age” malts I have crossed paths with and the fact I still remember the first time fondly stands as a testament to the craft of Orcadian whisky-making. 

 

This exquisite dram from Scotland's northernmost distillery offers a complex journey for the senses, balancing elements of the rugged island terroir with nearly two decades of careful spirit maturation in top quality casks.

 

Let us then spend some time with an old,, dear friend:

 

Appearance

Pouring a generous measure in my glass, it displays a deep amber hue, a bit like polished bronze or rich golden honey – visual clues of the warmth to come.

 

Nose

The initial scent opens like a bouquet of heather honey sweetness infused with subtle and soft peat smoke over toffee – the signature of Highland Park. Layers unfold, offering dried black fruits, figs, cranberries and raisins alongside the aroma of a freshly made coffee. Dark chocolate shavings follow intertwined with a hint of orange blossom tea, leading to more earthy coffee grounds and the lingering depth of well-worn leather.

 

Palate

The first sip doesn't disappoint, delivering on the nose's promise with a velvety mouthfeel. The sherry presence is felt without shouting as the honey notes take centre stage steps, quickly joined by a chorus of flavours: dark chocolate, winter spices, and a touch of sea salt that speaks to its island heritage. The peat, much like the sherry, is restrained, providing a fragrant smoky backbone that caresses instead of overwhelming. And all suffused with silky creaminess that coats the tongue. 

 

Finish

Long and satisfying, the finish is where the 18 years of aging truly shine. The smoke lingers, accompanied by a gentle oak spiciness and a final flourish of dried fruit sweetness. It delivers the promised warmth, invites contemplation and, inevitably, another sip.

 

Overall Impression

Highland Park 18 Year Old is a masterclass in balance. It manages to be both complex and approachable, offering enough depth to satisfy seasoned whisky enthusiasts while remaining accessible to those newer to the world of aged spirits. The interplay between sweet and smoky, fruit and oak, creates a dram that's greater than the sum of its parts. 

 

Definitely best enjoyed neat or with just a drop of water to open up its intricate flavours. It’s the perfect choice for a special occasion (like our 18th Birthday) or a delightful treat on a quiet evening of reflection, embodying the spirit of Orkney in every carefully crafted drop. 

 

In my opinion one of the very best 18 year old Single Malt Scotch whiskies to grace our shelves at Field & Fawcett.