Highland Park adds Valknut to Viking Legend range

Highland Park has released the second expression in its special edition range inspired by Viking history, called Valknut.

Highland Park Valknut is the second expression in the Viking Legends series

Valknut is the second in a series of three Viking Legend releases and follows the launch of Valkyrie in April 2017. It will be followed by Valfather in 2019.

The new expression has notes of toasted vanilla pods, cracked black pepper, oak shavings, cloves, aniseed and aromatic smoke on the nose.

The palate is described as offering “sweet, aromatic cloves” combined with “tangy hints of aniseed”, followed by an “intensely balanced, bold and courageous” finish.

Danish designer Jim Lyngvild, an expert in Norse mythology, has designed the packaging for the single malt range.

The packaging took inspiration from two Nordic sources in Gotland, Sweden – the first of the four Stora Hammars stones and the picture stone at Tängelgårda.

Valknut means ‘knot of those killed in battle’ and the three interlinked triangles on the design is associated with Norse god Odin, who guided the spirits of the dead to Valhalla.

Jason Craig, Highland Park brand director, said: “Valknut is an intensely balanced whisky with an abv of 46.8%.

“It’s been matured predominantly in American Sherry-seasoned oak casks with a slightly higher phenolic level compared to Valkyrie.

“We’ve also used a small amount of Orkney-grown Tartan barley, which adds to its smokier edge and lingering sweet, spicy finish.”

Highland Park Valknut will launch in more than 15 markets at an RRP of £58 (US$76).