Highland Park adds to Single Cask Series

Orkney-based distiller Highland Park has expanded its limited Single Cask Series with the launch of its 18-year-old London Edition.

Highland Park London Edition is a single malt whisky that was distilled in 2002 and drawn from a specially chosen cask in 2021 by master whisky maker Gordon Motion.

For the whiskies in the Single Cask Series, Motion said he is “looking for the exceptional – a unique aroma, an outstanding character or simply a superb example of Highland Park’s uniquely complex balance of flavours”.

He added: “When it comes to whisky that’s matured for 18 years and more, I have fewer casks to choose from, so those in our Single Cask Series are, quite simply, the most exceptional Highland Park casks available.”

As such, the cask from which the London Edition was drawn was chosen for its particular marriage of “diverse yet harmonious flavours”, which includes notes of pear, vanilla, nutmeg and peat.

The chosen barrel is a refill Sherry-seasoned European oak cask, which has given the whisky a naturally light, elegant golden colour.

It is said to have a deep, rounded aromas of vanilla sponge, fresh Galia melon, oak, nutmeg and light peat tones.

Meanwhile, flavours of pears, aniseed and rich cedar wood mark the palate, and are joined by gentle peaty notes through the mid-palate, with a finish that lingers with sweet spice and woody character.

Highland Park London Edition was bottled at a cask strength of 58.5% ABV.

Motion explained that the choice to bottle at cask strength was made to “encourage whisky enthusiasts to experiment with adding water or ice to reach their preferred drinking strength and flavour.”

The expression has a limited run of 642 bottles, and will be available in the UK from 11 September at an RRP of £390 (US$493).

Highland Park debuted a 54-year-old single malt in February this year – its oldest Scotch whisky to date.