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.
The evocatively titled Pineapple Bananza is the latest addition to the Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s experimental Heresy range; it’s a small-batch Irish single malt whiskey created in collaboration with Dunville’s Irish Whiskey. Batch 38: Pineapple Bananza stands out for both its origin and production style. Irish whiskey is an infrequent guest in the Society’s portfolio,…
El Supremo Rum, from Paraguay, has launched in the UK, bringing a distinctive national style – Caña Paraguaya – to British rum fans. Produced in partnership with CAPASA, Paraguay’s state‑owned sugarcane alcohol producer, the range draws on traditional production methods rooted in indigenous Guaraní culture. El Supremo is made using 100% sugarcane juice that’s reduced…
A new spirits house showcasing novel Asian ingredients and distilling traditions has launched with four core expressions spanning vodka, gin, whisky and rum. Founded by entrepreneur Michel Lu, The Orientalist Spirits positions itself as an ‘all-Asian’ portfolio, drawing on ingredients, techniques and flavour profiles sourced from across the continent. Lu, whose background spans fashion, music…
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. Follow The Luxe Review on Google News.
Triple-distilled Pineapple Bananza Irish single malt joins SMWS Heresy range
The evocatively titled Pineapple Bananza is the latest addition to the Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s experimental Heresy range; it’s a small-batch Irish single malt whiskey created in collaboration with Dunville’s Irish Whiskey. Batch 38: Pineapple Bananza stands out for both its origin and production style. Irish whiskey is an infrequent guest in the Society’s portfolio,…
First Pour: El Supremo brings Paraguayan Caña style sugarcane honey rum to UK
El Supremo Rum, from Paraguay, has launched in the UK, bringing a distinctive national style – Caña Paraguaya – to British rum fans. Produced in partnership with CAPASA, Paraguay’s state‑owned sugarcane alcohol producer, the range draws on traditional production methods rooted in indigenous Guaraní culture. El Supremo is made using 100% sugarcane juice that’s reduced…
From Shangri-La to London bar, The Orientalist launches ‘slightly premium’ all-Asian spirits range
A new spirits house showcasing novel Asian ingredients and distilling traditions has launched with four core expressions spanning vodka, gin, whisky and rum. Founded by entrepreneur Michel Lu, The Orientalist Spirits positions itself as an ‘all-Asian’ portfolio, drawing on ingredients, techniques and flavour profiles sourced from across the continent. Lu, whose background spans fashion, music…
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