Highland Park, the renowned Orkney-based distillery, has unveiled its oldest whisky to date: Highland Park 56. Crafted from never-before-tasted casks laid down in 1968, this ultra-rare premium release is limited to 170 bottles globally.
The journey of Highland Park 56 began more than five decades ago when ten exceptional casks were selected and stored in the distillery’s Orkney warehouses. Spearheaded by Master Whisky Maker Gordon Motion, during his first year of his tenure, the whisky has matured in a combination of refill casks and first-fill sherry-seasoned casks.
The journey of Highland Park 56 began more than five decades ago when ten exceptional casks were selected and stored in the distillery’s Orkney warehouses…
The Highland Park 56 YO boasts ‘a remarkable balance’
Says Gordon Motion, reflecting on this rarefied release: “As casks are natural products, and each of them unique, I broadly know what I’ll get from each, but every now and then I find something interesting that just stops me in my tracks and that’s exactly what I experienced with these ten. The second maturation has allowed me to push them even further and I know we’ve created something special.
“There isn’t the intense woodiness often found in whiskies of this age, instead, there’s a remarkable balance that makes this whisky truly special.”
Highland Park 56 tasting notes
The palate is said to offer notes of Seville orange peel, coriander seeds, and distinctive lapsang souchong tea, while the exit is a hesitant mix of subtle woody spices, honeyed oak, and the signature fragrant heathery peat smoke.
Of course, Highland Park 56 isn’t just about the whisky itself; it’s also a tribute to Orkney’s natural heritage and traditions, reflected through the artistry of its presentation.
Bottle and case have been designed by master crafters John Galvin and Michael Rudak
In a continued collaboration between master crafters John Galvin and Michael Rudak, the presentation draws inspiration from Orkney’s iconic Standing Stones of Stenness. Created over 5,000 years ago and thought to be the earliest henge monument on the British Isles, they’re a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Galvin, known for his intricate woodwork, has crafted a presentation case that stands as an abstract tribute to these stones, while glass designer Michael Rudak has infused the decanter with organic, irregular textures, mirroring the rugged beauty of the Orkney terrain.
Priced at £40,000, connoisseurs and collectors can buy this remarkable release through select whisky specialists, including The Whisky Shop.
Marking its 200th anniversary, Midleton Distillery has unveiled a special 28 year old whiskey that introduces Mizunara oak to the celebratory series for the first time. The timber is prized for its spicy, fragrant influence and its notoriously difficult cooperage. The limited-edition bottling concludes a year of celebrations recognising two centuries of whiskey-making at the…
Why settle for ordinary when you can gift the extraordinary? Welcome to an unashamedly indulgent Christmas Gift Guide, packed with handpicked delights sure to tantalise the senses. From the best in bourbon and classic single malts, to cocktails made easy, these suggestions are sure to please… Garavogue 20 Year Old Single Malt Irish whiskey The…
The Dalmore has unveiled the third instalment of its ultra-limited Cask Curation Series whiskies, created in collaboration with Château Mont-Redon of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Only 150 sets of The Dalmore Cask Curation Series: The Red Wine Cask Edition will be made available, each priced at £36,100. The new chapter arrives as part of the Highland distillery’s long-running…
The Luxe Review 
Highland Park, the renowned Orkney-based distillery, has unveiled its oldest whisky to date: Highland Park 56. Crafted from never-before-tasted casks laid down in 1968, this ultra-rare premium release is limited to 170 bottles globally.
The distillery’s previous oldest release was a 54-year-old, launched early 2023.
The journey of Highland Park 56 began more than five decades ago when ten exceptional casks were selected and stored in the distillery’s Orkney warehouses. Spearheaded by Master Whisky Maker Gordon Motion, during his first year of his tenure, the whisky has matured in a combination of refill casks and first-fill sherry-seasoned casks.
Says Gordon Motion, reflecting on this rarefied release: “As casks are natural products, and each of them unique, I broadly know what I’ll get from each, but every now and then I find something interesting that just stops me in my tracks and that’s exactly what I experienced with these ten. The second maturation has allowed me to push them even further and I know we’ve created something special.
“There isn’t the intense woodiness often found in whiskies of this age, instead, there’s a remarkable balance that makes this whisky truly special.”
Highland Park 56 tasting notes
The palate is said to offer notes of Seville orange peel, coriander seeds, and distinctive lapsang souchong tea, while the exit is a hesitant mix of subtle woody spices, honeyed oak, and the signature fragrant heathery peat smoke.
Of course, Highland Park 56 isn’t just about the whisky itself; it’s also a tribute to Orkney’s natural heritage and traditions, reflected through the artistry of its presentation.
In a continued collaboration between master crafters John Galvin and Michael Rudak, the presentation draws inspiration from Orkney’s iconic Standing Stones of Stenness. Created over 5,000 years ago and thought to be the earliest henge monument on the British Isles, they’re a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Galvin, known for his intricate woodwork, has crafted a presentation case that stands as an abstract tribute to these stones, while glass designer Michael Rudak has infused the decanter with organic, irregular textures, mirroring the rugged beauty of the Orkney terrain.
Priced at £40,000, connoisseurs and collectors can buy this remarkable release through select whisky specialists, including The Whisky Shop.
Only 636 Bottles: Midleton celebrates bicentennial with 28 year old Mizunara-influenced whiskey
Marking its 200th anniversary, Midleton Distillery has unveiled a special 28 year old whiskey that introduces Mizunara oak to the celebratory series for the first time. The timber is prized for its spicy, fragrant influence and its notoriously difficult cooperage. The limited-edition bottling concludes a year of celebrations recognising two centuries of whiskey-making at the…
Indulgent Christmas gift ideas to delight the senses: whisky, vodka, gin, cocktails and more
Why settle for ordinary when you can gift the extraordinary? Welcome to an unashamedly indulgent Christmas Gift Guide, packed with handpicked delights sure to tantalise the senses. From the best in bourbon and classic single malts, to cocktails made easy, these suggestions are sure to please… Garavogue 20 Year Old Single Malt Irish whiskey The…
The Dalmore Cask Curation Series Red Wine Cask Edition offers rare 24, 34 and 43 Year Old whiskies
The Dalmore has unveiled the third instalment of its ultra-limited Cask Curation Series whiskies, created in collaboration with Château Mont-Redon of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Only 150 sets of The Dalmore Cask Curation Series: The Red Wine Cask Edition will be made available, each priced at £36,100. The new chapter arrives as part of the Highland distillery’s long-running…
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