Highland Park Distillery | About Dram Time

On this whisky journey, we set our course northward, braving the untamed seas until we reach Orkney, home to the venerable Highland Park distillery. A true relic of the past, Highland Park is one of just nine distilleries in Scotland that have been in operation since the 18th century.

Orkney, situated off Scotland’s extreme north coast, bears the brunt of the Atlantic and North Sea’s fierce elements, with winter winds reaching speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. Comprising a cluster of 70 islands, with 20 now inhabited, Orkney stands as a testament to nature’s rugged beauty. To the north lies another archipelago, the Shetland Islands, boasting around 100 islands, 16 of which are inhabited. Collectively, these islands, along with the Inner and Outer Hebrides, comprise over 800 islands that contribute to Scotland’s rich tapestry.

Throughout history, Scotland’s unique geology and climate have nurtured the cultivation of barley, a crop that played a pivotal role in the evolution of society. It is believed that barley, or “bigg” in Old Norse, brought by Viking settlers, became a cornerstone of agriculture in Orkney.

Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney, has held royal status since 1486. Its name, derived from the Norse “Kirkjuvagr” or “Kirkin-vagr,” reflects its origins as a church settlement by the bay. Nestled within a picturesque bay, surrounded by verdant hills and bracing sea breezes, Kirkwall provides the ideal backdrop for maturing Highland Park whisky.

Within the cluster of around 70 Orkney islands lie remnants of history and ancient culture, from the sunken German fleet in Scapa Flow to Neolithic monuments like the Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar. For a deeper dive into Scotland’s distilling legacy and Viking roots, look no further than the Highland Park distillery.

Founded in 1798 by Magnus Eunson, a butcher turned clandestine distiller and church officer, Highland Park distillery has a colourful past. Legend has it that Eunson hid his uisque beatha (water of life) within church walls, under the pulpit, or even in coffins to evade excise officers and tax collectors. In 1816, John Robertson, an excise officer who once arrested Eunson, took over the distillery and continued its illicit operations. Today, Highland Park is under the ownership of the Edrington group, known for The Macallan and The Glenrothes Single Malt Whiskies.

Stepping through the imposing gates of Highland Park distillery, one feels transported to the 19th century. The grey stone walls whisper tales of yesteryears, while the subtle aromas of heather, honey, smoke, and grain tantalise the senses with the flavours of Highland Park single malt whisky.

Highland Park single malt whisky stands apart from its counterparts thanks to its adherence to the five keystones of production. The first keystone is hand-turned traditional floor malting, a rarity among distilleries, where each batch of malt is painstakingly turned by hand on traditional malting floors. The second keystone is the use of Hobbister Moor peat, distinct from mainland peat, offering a delicate peat smoke character balanced with notes of heather, honey, and floral flavours.

The initial two keystones impart a harmonious blend of nutty, fruity, and subtly smoked notes to the new make spirit, laying the foundation for the brand’s distinctive profile.

Let’s explore the final three keystones that have earned Highland Park its esteemed reputation as one of the world’s most awarded single malt whiskies.

The third keystone revolves around flavour, achieved through the meticulous use of Oloroso sherry seasoned American and European oak casks. While many in the Scotch whisky industry opt for ex-bourbon barrels, Highland Park takes a different approach. Spanish oak casks, such as butts, puncheons, or hogsheads, imbued with the rich essence of Oloroso Sherry, are favoured. American oak imparts notes of vanilla, citrus, coconut, and butterscotch, while European oak offers dried fruits, apricot, oranges, and a medley of baking spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These flavours complement the essence of Hobbister Moor peat exquisitely.

The final two keystones, Cool Maturation and Cask Harmonization, underscore how the whisky harmonizes with Orkney’s climate and surroundings. Upon leaving the spirit still at 69.8% abv, the new make spirit is promptly transferred to casks made from Quercus Alba and Quercus Robur, embarking on its aging journey by the sea on Orkney Island. The cool temperate climate, influenced by the sea and winter’s chill, fosters a gradual and even maturation process.

It’s often said that the cask is the single most influential factor in whisky flavour, contributing between 60 to 80% of its character. Orkney’s environment is ideal for the prolonged and cool maturation of whisky, resulting in a soft and subtly smoky profile.

To ensure each bottle of Highland Park meets the highest standards, casks are harmonized in advance. Individual batches are crafted by allowing barrels to meld in a large vat for an extended period, sometimes up to six months. This meticulous process enhances complexity and balance, ensuring a truly exceptional finished product.

In closing, Highland Park distillery emerges as a timeless bastion of whisky craftsmanship, nestled amidst the rugged beauty of Orkney. With roots tracing back to Magnus Eunson’s clandestine beginnings, each sip of Highland Park whisky is a journey through history and tradition. From the hand-turned traditional floor malting to the careful selection of Oloroso sherry seasoned casks and the meticulous processes of cool maturation and cask harmonization, Highland Park’s commitment to excellence is evident in every drop. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or new to the world of single malt whisky, the distinct character and unparalleled quality of Highland Park whisky are sure to captivate your senses and leave you yearning for more.

If you haven’t experienced Highland Park whisky yet, I recommend you seek out a bottle today. You will be delighted with its fine quality.

Want to learn more about Whisky? Check out our ultimate whisky guide – download it here and expand your whisky knowledge.

Catch up on the rest of the series with our articles on Aqua Vitae, Water and Whisky, Fermentation and Whisky, and Barley Varietals.