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.
Glen Moray hopes to temp whisky fans with the latest addition to its Xperience Collection, Forbidden Fruit. This novel single malt is finished in casks that previously held Calvados, the historic apple brandy of Normandy. The whisky continues the Elgin distillery’s long-running interest in cask experimentation. Forbidden Fruit follows earlier Xperience bottlings Phoenix Rising, which…
Travellers to the Scottish Highlands will soon have a new way to experience one of the region’s best-known single malts. From April 27 2026, The Dalmore will reopen its distillery to guests with a completely reimagined visitor experience designed to offer a deeper insight into the craft, heritage and character behind its whiskies. Set on…
The Isle of Raasay Distillery has introduced a new single malt matured exclusively in uncommon American oak. Chinkapin, or Quercus muehlenbergii, is a North American species traditionally used only as a finishing cask. At Raasay, it has been part of the distillery’s maturation programme from the beginning. The Chinkapin takes its position as the third…
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.
First pour: Glen Moray adds Calvados twist to Speyside whisky and it’s a toffee apple treat
Glen Moray hopes to temp whisky fans with the latest addition to its Xperience Collection, Forbidden Fruit. This novel single malt is finished in casks that previously held Calvados, the historic apple brandy of Normandy. The whisky continues the Elgin distillery’s long-running interest in cask experimentation. Forbidden Fruit follows earlier Xperience bottlings Phoenix Rising, which…
The Dalmore reopens Highland distillery to guests with reimagined Visitor Experience
Travellers to the Scottish Highlands will soon have a new way to experience one of the region’s best-known single malts. From April 27 2026, The Dalmore will reopen its distillery to guests with a completely reimagined visitor experience designed to offer a deeper insight into the craft, heritage and character behind its whiskies. Set on…
Isle of Raasay debuts The Chinkapin single malt whisky matured in unusual Oak casks
The Isle of Raasay Distillery has introduced a new single malt matured exclusively in uncommon American oak. Chinkapin, or Quercus muehlenbergii, is a North American species traditionally used only as a finishing cask. At Raasay, it has been part of the distillery’s maturation programme from the beginning. The Chinkapin takes its position as the third…
Share this: