As one of only a few distilleries that inhabit the northernmost Orkney Islands and one of only two on the main island, Highland Park has a history that dates back to 1798. However, in over 225 years, the distillery has yet to produce something as spectacular as the 56-year-old single malt it unveiled this week.
The Story
Back in 2023, Highland Park debuted its oldest whisky ever, a 54-year single malt culled from a selection of 10 “exceptional” casks first laid to rest back in 1968. Featuring liquid that was lighter and not as wood-heavy, these refill casks (not first-fill) were selected in 2008 by Master Whisky Maker Gordon Motion in his first year on the job. He then transported these single malts to first-fill sherry-seasoned barrels, “laying them down so they could continue to develop and evolve.”
A Special Kind of Peat
The unique conditions on Orkney yield a unique type of peat, called heathered peat, which the whisky maker has historically used exclusively for its immensely popular single malts like its 12 and 18 Year expressions. With several decades longer spent in the barrels, the peat’s character still manages to be present in the liquid.
According to the flavor profile, you’ll get “aromas of jasmine, sweet raisins, cloudy honey, and delicate peat smoke” on the nose, while the palate will experience notes of citrus, orange peel, lilac, spices, and a hint of lapsang souchong tea, giving way to a subtle finish, “mixing woody spice with honeyed oak and fragrant heathered peat smoke.”
54 Versus 56 Years
So how much better can a whisky age in just 2 years? Probably not much. The tasting notes are nearly identical between the 54- and 56-year, with some certain subtleties delineating the two expressions for those lucky enough to taste both of them (let alone one). On the other hand, the ABV is higher for the 56 at 47.1% (up from 46.9%, though not by much). However, you can merely view this latest release as a continuation of a notable batch that will continue to pay off for the remainder of the casks used — perhaps 8 more after this release.
Unlike the 54-year, which yielded 225 bottles in total, the 56-year only gives us 170 bottles. This time around, the bottle itself is different too. Rather than the teardrop-shaped vessel from last time, the 56 has a more traditional bottle shape, though still holding 700mL of liquid.
A collaborative effort with master craftsperson John Galvin and glass designer Michael Rudak, the bottle is inspired by the Standing Stones of Stenness — Orkney’s 5,000-year-old monuments. Taller and slimmer than before, the bottle is housed inside a wooden cabinet display.
Spec Sheet
Type: Single malt Scotch
Age: 56 years
ABV: 47.1%
Tasting Notes: Citrus, orange peel, lilac, jasmine, sweet raisins, honey, peat smoke
Pricing & Availability
Limited to just 170 bottles, the 56 Year single malt will be priced at £40,000 (~$49,916), around $3,000 more than the 54 Year. Additionally, those with a verified purchase through the distillery’s Inner Circle will get a bespoke tasting experience from one of their experts. Head over to Highland Park to learn more.
Recap
Highland Park 56 Year Single Malt
Highland Park improves upon its 2023 release with a 56-year-old single malt whisky, yielding only 170 bottles and housed in a special decanter.
