First Impressions
Viking Heart arrived in 2021 to reinstate a 15-year-old in the Highland Park core range, replacing the previous bourbon-leaning 15. The new version is unmistakably sherry-led, and it ships in a striking ceramic-coated bottle the distillery claims is a world first for whisky.
Distillery & Heritage
Founded in 1798 in Kirkwall, Highland Park is the northernmost distillery in Scotland and one of the very few that still floor-malts a portion of its barley, peated over fragrant Orkney heather rather than mainland Highland or Islay peat.
Tasting Notes in Detail
The nose offers dried fig, orange peel, heather honey, toasted almond and a soft, aromatic smoke that is more incense than bonfire. The palate is sherried and warming — raisin, dark chocolate, cinnamon, candied orange and honeyed malt.
Verdict
A confident, sherry-led Highland Park that sits beautifully between the 12 and the 18.
