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.
Mount Gay has introduced two ultra‑mature rums designed to showcase the distillery’s long tradition of tropical ageing in Barbados. The Exceptionally Aged collection, aged 15 and 25 years respectively, have been distilled, matured, blended and bottled entirely at the distillery’s home in St. Lucy, and offer an intriguing opportunity to explore how the challenging Barbadian…
Bourbon and barbering come together in a new collaboration that pairs Kentucky whiskey with contemporary men’s grooming. American bourbon brand Elijah Craig has partnered with premium barbering outfit Ruffians to create a limited-edition gift set, designed to appeal to men with an appreciation for both fine spirit and personal style. The Luxe Review attended the…
The Macallan has opened its first domestic UK boutique inside Harrods, bringing one of Scotland’s most recognisable whisky names to the heart of Knightsbridge. The new retail space occupies the former Baccarat Bar location, adjacent to the Harrods Fine Wines & Spirits department, and marks a significant expansion of The Macallan’s presence in London. It…
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.
Mount Gay celebrates tropical ageing with Exceptionally Aged Collection 15 and 25 Year Old rums
Mount Gay has introduced two ultra‑mature rums designed to showcase the distillery’s long tradition of tropical ageing in Barbados. The Exceptionally Aged collection, aged 15 and 25 years respectively, have been distilled, matured, blended and bottled entirely at the distillery’s home in St. Lucy, and offer an intriguing opportunity to explore how the challenging Barbadian…
Elijah Craig and Ruffians barbershops partner on bourbon-inspired grooming gift set
Bourbon and barbering come together in a new collaboration that pairs Kentucky whiskey with contemporary men’s grooming. American bourbon brand Elijah Craig has partnered with premium barbering outfit Ruffians to create a limited-edition gift set, designed to appeal to men with an appreciation for both fine spirit and personal style. The Luxe Review attended the…
The Macallan opens first UK boutique inside London’s most famous department store
The Macallan has opened its first domestic UK boutique inside Harrods, bringing one of Scotland’s most recognisable whisky names to the heart of Knightsbridge. The new retail space occupies the former Baccarat Bar location, adjacent to the Harrods Fine Wines & Spirits department, and marks a significant expansion of The Macallan’s presence in London. It…
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