David Coulthard creates two Highland Park whiskies

by Owen Bellwood

Former Formula One racing driver David Coulthard has partnered with Highland Park to create two limited edition single cask whiskies.

The two expressions, called Saltire Edition 1 and Saltire Edition 2, have both been aged for 13 years – a nod to Coulthard’s 13 Grand Prix victories. After extensive tastings during a trip to Orkney, the former Red Bull Racing driver selected two Sherry-seasoned casks of Highland Park whisky. Bottled at 43% abv, Edition 1 carries an RRP of £139 (US$183) and has flavours of vanilla, lemon and ginger. Edition 2 has also been bottled at 43% abv and has an RRP of £55 (US$73). Its palate is said to contain notes of root ginger, rich vanilla and warm cinnamon. Only 734 bottles of Saltire Edition 1 are now available to purchase from the Highland Park website. A percentage of the proceeds from the sales of both whiskies will go towards supporting charities in Dumfries, Scotland. Coulthard said: “My local community in Dumfries and Galloway helped give me so many great opportunities. I’m proud to be able to support them and share some of my success by providing them with some of the proceeds from the sales of these new whiskies. “I’ve enjoyed participating in the whisky creation process and I’m proud that Highland Park is helping me bring the project to life. The whiskies are inspired by my Formula One career, I had 13 Grand Prix wins and this feels like the 14th.” Coulthard's Formula One career also inspired the design of the packaging, with the saltire logo from his helmet featuring on the label alongside his signature. Jason Craig, global brand director at Highland Park, which is owned by Edrington, said: “As a proud Scotsman and winner of 13 Grand Prix races, David demonstrates all the characteristics of our view of a modern day viking soul. "His desire to support his local community is very much in keeping with our ethos at Highland Park. We’ve enjoyed collaborating on this project and look forward to seeing what David’s and our fans think of our collaboration.”