Highland Park 13 Year Old Vin Santo 2013 Fruitful Spirits 56.3% 70cl

Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky is one of Scotland’s most distinctive and storied malts, crafted in Orkney, a windswept archipelago off the far north coast of mainland Scotland. Founded in 1798, the distillery’s remote location, unique climate, and combination of Highland and island influences give its whisky a character unlike any other: a marriage of gentle peat smoke, rich honey sweetness, and complex spice.

The distillery’s roots are tied to Magnus Eunson, a local butcher, church officer, and (according to legend) illicit distiller and smuggler who operated on the site before it became a legal enterprise. Highland Park’s history of craftsmanship and resilience has endured for over two centuries, and today it remains one of the few Scottish distilleries to maintain many traditional production methods.

One defining feature of Highland Park is its use of locally cut peat from Hobbister Moor, just seven miles from the distillery. This peat is unique, composed largely of decomposed heather rather than wood, and imparts a fragrant, floral smoke that is softer and more aromatic than the medicinal, coastal peat of Islay. The distillery’s malt is traditionally floor-malted on site, a labour-intensive process now rare in the industry, and peated to around 20 parts per million before being mixed with unpeated malt for a balanced style.

The maturation process also sets Highland Park apart. The distillery relies heavily on European oak casks seasoned with oloroso sherry in Jerez, Spain. This oak brings rich flavours of dried fruit, spice, and dark chocolate, complementing the spirit’s honeyed sweetness and gentle smoke. The cool, maritime climate of Orkney ensures slow maturation, allowing flavours to integrate fully over time.

The core range includes:
• Highland Park 12 Year Old Viking Honour, the flagship expression, offering honey, heather, gentle smoke, and dried fruit.
• Highland Park 15 Year Old Viking Heart, matured in a higher proportion of sherry-seasoned casks, with richer spice and depth.
• Highland Park 18 Year Old Viking Pride, complex and refined, with layers of fruitcake, chocolate, and aromatic smoke.

Beyond the core range, Highland Park produces limited editions, single cask bottlings, and older age statements, 21, 25, 30, and 40 years, all showcasing the distillery’s ability to age gracefully while retaining its signature balance. The brand’s Norse heritage is often reflected in its packaging and naming, a nod to Orkney’s Viking past.

Independent bottlings of Highland Park (sometimes labelled as “Orkney Malt” due to trademark restrictions) are prized for their balance of smoke, sweetness, and spice, with bourbon cask-matured versions often showing a fresher, fruitier side of the spirit.

Flavour-wise, Highland Park offers aromas of heather honey, dried orange peel, and fragrant peat smoke. The palate delivers sweet malt, sultanas, nutmeg, and dark chocolate, with a lingering finish of spice and softly smouldering peat. Its harmonious combination of flavours makes it a whisky of great versatility, equally enjoyable neat, with water, or alongside food such as smoked meats or strong cheeses.

Our Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky selection includes the celebrated core range, rare limited editions, and exceptional older vintages. Whether you’re discovering Orkney whisky for the first time or adding to a serious collection, Highland Park offers a unique union of tradition, place, and flavour that stands among Scotland’s finest.