First Impressions
Highland Park 18 Viking Pride — named Best Spirit in the World by F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal. The most northerly Scotch whisky distillery, founded 1798 in Kirkwall, Orkney by Magnus Eunson — a church officer by day and illicit distiller by night.
Orkney's Distinctive Character
Highland Park uses heather peat from Hobbister Moor, Orkney — not standard peat but heather-infused, giving a distinctive floral, mossy smoke rather than heavy medicinal peat. Matured predominantly in first-fill sherry-seasoned European and American oak. Rebranded 'Viking Pride' in 2017 with packaging inspired by wood carvings from Norway's Urnes Stave Church.
Tasting
Rich sherry-driven fruit nose with plums, raisins, and heather honey. The palate is creamy and full-bodied with espresso, cinnamon, and fruit conserves. The heather peat threads through everything — gentle, aromatic, never aggressive. The finish is long, starting fruity then turning woody with lingering smoke.
The Verdict
Highland Park 18 earns a 9 — one of the benchmarks for aged island single malts and a genuine contender for the finest 18-year-old Scotch available. The combination of heather peat and sherry cask creates something no other distillery can replicate. At £125, outstanding value for world-class whisky. Best Spirit in the World for a reason.
