Highland Park launches Viking Heart

Orkney-based Highland Park has added a new permanent single malt Scotch whisky to its portfolio: 15-year-old Viking Heart.

Gordon Motion, Highland Park's master whisky maker, handpicked the casks for the 15-year-old. The liquid contains a ‘high percentage’ of first-fill European oak Sherry-seasoned casks, said to give dry, spicy notes. First-fill American oak Sherry-seasoned casks are said to complement this with flavours of vanilla, crème brûlée. Meanwhile, a small proportion of refill casks give ‘gentle’ heather peat and ‘lightly fruity’ character. The whisky has been filled into heavily embossed 700ml ceramic bottles, made in partnership with UK-based Wade Ceramics. The design was inspired by ancient earthenware vessels, which would have been used to store whisky a century or two ago at the distillery. Motion said: “Our insistence on specially constructed Sherry casks delivers a richness of flavour. “Vanilla and citrus notes lead and combine with the unique fragrant peat and creamy mouthfeel synonymous with Highland Park. “The hand selection of quality first-fill and refill casks for Highland Park 15 Year Old delivers a rich colour, which is 100% natural.” Bottled at 44% ABV, Viking Heart will be available for RRP £80 (US$109.33) from specialist whisky retailers, and the brand's online shop and distillery. Last month, the Edrington-owned brand released its second cask strength whisky, which sits at 63.9% ABV.