Just in time for Burns Night, Orkney-based Highland Park has announced a limited-edition cask strength single malt whisky.
The new release, Cask Strength: Heather, is made using 100 per cent Orkney peat-smoked barley, with peat sourced responsibly from Hobbister Moor, just a few miles from the distillery.
Given Orkney’s northern latitude, trees struggle to grow, leaving heather as the dominant plant life. Over thousands of years, that heather has infused the peat with a floral, perfumed quality, lending Highland Park its characteristic fragrant smoke.
Bottled at 63.6% ABV, the release is the first in Highland Park’s refreshed Cask Strength series, conceived to explore bolder expressions of Orkney provenance.
Cask Strength: Heather is matured in a combination of first-fill European and American sherry-seasoned oak casks, alongside select refill casks.
The whisky is non-chill filtered, retaining its natural deep amber colour from the cask, and contains no added colouring.
Cask Strength: Heather is matured in a combination of first-fill European and American sherry-seasoned oak casks…
Highland Park Cask Strength: heather tasting notes
According to official tasting notes, the whisky opens with fragrant bonfire smoke on the nose, along with vanilla pods and rich brandy butter. Expect sweetness, tempered by subtle warmth.
The palate is said to be rich and oily, delivering creamy marshmallow and nutty macadamia notes. Peppery spice cuts through this sweetness, while a smooth, floral smokiness provides balance and lift.
The finish is reportedly long and composed, lingering with vanilla and perfumed smoke.
Highland Park Cask Strength: Heather is available exclusively through The Whisky Exchange, priced at £60.
January may feel long and grey, but one undoubted bright spot is Burns Night, the annual celebration held on January 25, marking the birthday of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. For whisky lovers, it’s one of the most convivial fixtures of the year: a night where poetry, food and Scotland’s greatest export meet in cheerful,…
Sumo fans visiting Tokyo have a new attraction to add to their itinerary. Opening January 7 is a 150-seat show restaurant that brings together Japan’s national sport, sumo, and traditional kaiseki cuisine. The Sumo Live restaurant, located in Ginza, features a full-size sumo-ring stage, where wrestlers will perform demonstration bouts for diners. The opening follows…
Christmas has a way of sharpening the appetite. It’s when tables are dressed to impress, menus become a little more indulgent, and dining becomes an unapologetic indulgence. For foodies, there’s no finer time. But where to eat out this Christmas? Whether you’re looking for refined street food or a multi-course blow-out, these are some of…
The Luxe Review 
Just in time for Burns Night, Orkney-based Highland Park has announced a limited-edition cask strength single malt whisky.
The new release, Cask Strength: Heather, is made using 100 per cent Orkney peat-smoked barley, with peat sourced responsibly from Hobbister Moor, just a few miles from the distillery.
Given Orkney’s northern latitude, trees struggle to grow, leaving heather as the dominant plant life. Over thousands of years, that heather has infused the peat with a floral, perfumed quality, lending Highland Park its characteristic fragrant smoke.
Bottled at 63.6% ABV, the release is the first in Highland Park’s refreshed Cask Strength series, conceived to explore bolder expressions of Orkney provenance.
Cask Strength: Heather is matured in a combination of first-fill European and American sherry-seasoned oak casks, alongside select refill casks.
The whisky is non-chill filtered, retaining its natural deep amber colour from the cask, and contains no added colouring.
Highland Park Cask Strength: heather tasting notes
According to official tasting notes, the whisky opens with fragrant bonfire smoke on the nose, along with vanilla pods and rich brandy butter. Expect sweetness, tempered by subtle warmth.
The palate is said to be rich and oily, delivering creamy marshmallow and nutty macadamia notes. Peppery spice cuts through this sweetness, while a smooth, floral smokiness provides balance and lift.
The finish is reportedly long and composed, lingering with vanilla and perfumed smoke.
Highland Park Cask Strength: Heather is available exclusively through The Whisky Exchange, priced at £60.
Toasting the Bard: Where to eat, drink and celebrate Burns Night 2026
January may feel long and grey, but one undoubted bright spot is Burns Night, the annual celebration held on January 25, marking the birthday of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. For whisky lovers, it’s one of the most convivial fixtures of the year: a night where poetry, food and Scotland’s greatest export meet in cheerful,…
Live Sumo meets classic Japanese cuisine at new Tokyo show restaurant
Sumo fans visiting Tokyo have a new attraction to add to their itinerary. Opening January 7 is a 150-seat show restaurant that brings together Japan’s national sport, sumo, and traditional kaiseki cuisine. The Sumo Live restaurant, located in Ginza, features a full-size sumo-ring stage, where wrestlers will perform demonstration bouts for diners. The opening follows…
Where to feast this Christmas: the 9 best festive menus and fine dining experiences
Christmas has a way of sharpening the appetite. It’s when tables are dressed to impress, menus become a little more indulgent, and dining becomes an unapologetic indulgence. For foodies, there’s no finer time. But where to eat out this Christmas? Whether you’re looking for refined street food or a multi-course blow-out, these are some of…
Share this: