Highland Park 12 Years Old Viking Honour Giftpack Edition with 2 Glasses 40% NV

Professional reviews

BOW (87)

Highland Park 12 Years Old Viking Honour Giftpack Edition: A Tribute to Viking Heritage

Highland Park Distillery, nestled on the windswept Orkney Islands, has long been revered for its exceptional whiskies that pay homage to the rich Viking heritage of the region. The Highland Park 12 Years Old Viking Honour Giftpack Edition, bottled on the 14th of August 2020, is a testament to the distillery's commitment to crafting whiskies that embody the spirit of the Vikings. Presented in a special gift pack that includes two glasses, this expression is a delightful offering for both whisky enthusiasts and collectors alike.

1. The Viking Honour Legacy:
The Viking Honour series from Highland Park is a celebration of the distillery's connection to its Viking roots. For centuries, the Vikings left an indelible mark on the Orkney Islands, and this whisky pays tribute to their legacy. The 12 Years Old Viking Honour Giftpack Edition is a testament to the distillery's dedication to preserving this rich cultural heritage.

2. Maturation in Sherry Seasoned Oak Casks:
To achieve its distinctive character, the Highland Park 12 Years Old Viking Honour undergoes maturation in a combination of sherry seasoned European and American oak casks. This carefully chosen cask selection infuses the whisky with rich and complex flavors, creating a harmonious marriage between the spirit and the cask.

3. Tasting Notes:
Upon sipping the Highland Park 12 Years Old Viking Honour, one is greeted with a symphony of flavors. The whisky offers a balance of sweet honey, ripe orchard fruits, and hints of heather smoke, showcasing the signature Highland Park style. The influence of the sherry seasoned oak casks introduces notes of dried fruits, warm spices, and a subtle touch of oak, adding depth and complexity to the palate.

4. The Giftpack Edition:
The inclusion of two glasses in the Viking Honour Giftpack Edition makes it an ideal choice for whisky enthusiasts looking to share a special tasting experience. The elegant glasses, designed to enhance the aromas and flavors of the whisky, elevate the overall presentation and make it a perfect gift for both connoisseurs and newcomers to the world of whisky.

5. A Tribute to Viking Heritage:
Highland Park Distillery takes pride in its Viking roots, and the 12 Years Old Viking Honour Giftpack Edition beautifully embodies this heritage. From the packaging design to the choice of casks, every aspect of this expression pays homage to the intrepid Viking explorers and their enduring legacy.

Conclusion:
The Highland Park 12 Years Old Viking Honour Giftpack Edition is a remarkable whisky that captures the essence of Viking heritage and the craftsmanship of Highland Park Distillery. With its maturation in sherry seasoned European and American oak casks, it presents a captivating array of flavors that showcase the distillery's commitment to quality and tradition. Whether enjoyed as a personal indulgence or shared with fellow whisky enthusiasts, this expression and its accompanying glasses provide an immersive journey into the world of Highland Park whisky, leaving a lasting impression of the distillery's Viking roots and unparalleled craftsmanship.

Angus McRaild (83)

I can't recall the last time I properly wrote notes for the Highland Park 12yo, but it's a dram I'll happily order, and usually enjoy, in a pub. Colour: pale gold. Nose: feels like the balance of peat and coastal elements and heather honey has been well struck. These elements are all well accompanied by some slightly sweetened breakfast cereals, a few ales and breads, and then a little putty. Mouth: the ABV lets it down a bit, leaving a feeling of flatness up front, but the actual flavours of soft, heather peat smoke, along with some richer shilling ales, honey on brown toast and a little sweetened black tea are all very classical and lovely. Finish: short-medium in length, a little drier, rootier and more herbal, all nicely familiar. Comments: I can see why this goes down so easily in the pub! It just struggles in these more 'analytical' situations, which I'm sure is almost entirely down to the miserly bottling strength.