As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste and experience various Highland Park whiskies. Each expression from Highland Park has its own unique characteristics and flavor profile, making it difficult to determine the absolute “best.” However, I can certainly share my personal experiences and highlight some exceptional Highland Park whiskies.
1. Highland Park 18 Year Old: This expression is often regarded as one of the finest from the distillery. It offers a perfect balance of sweetness, smokiness, and complexity. The 18 Year Old showcases a rich and velvety texture with notes of dried fruit, dark chocolate, heather honey, and a hint of peat smoke. It is a well-rounded and sophisticated whisky that exemplifies the craftsmanship of Highland Park.
2. Highland Park 25 Year Old: If you're looking for a truly indulgent and luxurious whisky, the Highland Park 25 Year Old does not disappoint. With its extended aging process, this expression develops incredible depth and complexity. It presents a harmonious blend of flavors, including sweet vanilla, spiced orange, dark chocolate, and a subtle smokiness. The 25 Year Old is a whisky that demands attention and rewards the palate with its elegance and refinement.
3. Highland Park 30 Year Old: For those seeking the pinnacle of Highland Park's offerings, the 30 Year Old is a remarkable choice. This expression is a testament to the distillery's commitment to craftsmanship and patience. It boasts a remarkable array of flavors, including tropical fruits, toffee, honeycomb, leather, and a gentle peatiness. The 30 Year Old is a truly exceptional whisky that showcases the depth and complexity achievable with extensive maturation.
4. Highland Park Dark Origins: While not as old as the previous expressions mentioned, the Dark Origins deserves recognition for its distinctive character. It is a non-age statement whisky with a higher proportion of sherry cask influence, resulting in a rich and flavorful profile. Dark Origins offers notes of dried fruits, chocolate, ginger, and a subtle smokiness. It is a bold and robust whisky that captures the essence of Highland Park's Orcadian heritage.
5. Highland Park Valkyrie: This expression pays homage to the Viking history and mythology closely associated with the Orkney Islands, where Highland Park is located. Valkyrie is a vibrant and dynamic whisky, characterized by its intense smokiness, spicy notes, and a hint of sweetness. It offers an intriguing combination of flavors, including dried fruits, vanilla, nutmeg, and aromatic peat smoke. Valkyrie is a whisky that immerses you in the rugged and mystical world of the Vikings.
It is important to note that whisky preferences are highly subjective, and what may be the best for one person may not be the same for another. I encourage you to explore different expressions from Highland Park, as each offers its own distinct experience and may appeal to different palates. Additionally, personal preferences and tasting experiences can also be influenced by factors such as individual taste preferences, occasion, and mood.