Highland Park launches Vintage Editions range

The range, exclusive to global travel retail and a first for the distillery, consists of four single malt whiskies distilled in 1998, 1994, 1990 and 1973.

Max McFarlane, whisky maker at the Orcadian distillery chose sherry seasoned casks that would showcase different dimensions of the classic Highland Park profile of honey sweetness and aromatic peat. The differences between the expressions lie in the extent to which first-fill or refill European and American sherry oak casks have been used.

The 1998 and the 1990 Vintages emphasise the smokier notes while the 1994 and the 1973 highlight the sweeter characteristics.

Duty Free RRP: 1998 €46 (1litre), 1994 €65 (70cl), 1990 €99 (70cl) and 1973 €750 (70cl). The range will be available from April/May 2010.

The oak box draws on Orkney’s Norse heritage in the form of the woodcarvings in the characteristic ‘gripping beast’ style seen on the Oseberg ship, the oldest and most beautiful vessel of the Viking age.

1 March 2010 - Felicity Murray