Highland Park Valfather Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Highland Park has been distilled since 1798, on the same site where their founder, Magnus Eunson, set up his original illicit still at High Park. Ten miles from the northernmost reaches of the Scottish Mainland lie the 70 or so islands that make up Orkney, only 20 of which are inhabited. The beautiful, yet isolated cluster of islands, is pounded relentlessly by winds that frequently reach speeds of over 100mph in the winter. No tree can survive such an onslaught, which means that their moorland peat is woodless but rich in fragrant heather, which give rise to the unique aromatic smokiness of their whisky. For over 220 years, they’ve smoked their barley over 4,000-year-old peat, hand-cut from Hobbister Moor, just 7 miles from the distillery.

The final bottling from the Viking Legend series, Valfather was named after the Norse god Odin. It's the most peated whisky to date from Highland Park, a style designed to mimic Odin's power. Valfather was matured in refill casks in order to balance the peatiness and also because the brand supposedly wanted to mirror the ethereal and lighter feel of Valhalla, Odin’s Hall. It was bottled at 47% ABV without any additional colouring.
Danish designer Jim Lyngvild returned to help create the distinctive packaging, the inspiration of which was the ancient picture stones from Stora Hammars in Gotland, Sweden.

Tasting Note
   Nose: Robust, but refined smoke fills the nose initially followed by delicate vanilla.
   Palate: Layers of creamy vanilla, apricot yoghurt, orange marmalade, charred wood and dried earth among touches of cacao powder, toffee apples and smoked paprika.
   Finish: Long and confident, the floral smoke lingers for an age but is offset by tropical fruit and black pepper.