Highland Park supports Ness of Brodgar Trust

by Owen Bellwood

Edrington-owned Scotch whisky brand Highland Park has released a special edition single malt in support of the Ness of Brodgar Trust in Orkney.

The Orkney-based distillery has launched its Ness of Brodgar’s Legacy bottling, with a percentage of its sales being donated to support the archeological excavations at the Ness of Brodgar in Orkney, Scotland. Jason R. Craig, global brand director at Highland Park, said: “Our brand vision is to honour the proud spirit of Orkney, we aim to do this through working with and supporting organisations in our local community. “After meeting with the Ness of Brodgar Trust, we were inspired by their dedication, patience and willing to do the right thing and not rush their highly-skilled work.” Ness of Brodgar’s Legacy is a 12-year-old single malt Scotch whisky with flavours of sweet floral honey, rich fruitcake, warm winter spices, orange zest and the brand's "trademark aromatic smoky peat". Bottled at 46% abv, the whisky will initially be available during a support event at Stenness Community School, Orkney. Priced at £55 (US$69) per 700ml, any bottles remaining after the support event will be available through the distillery’s online store. Nick Card, director of the Ness of Brodgar Trust, said: “Barley and peat are the common bond between Highland Park and the Ness of Brodgar. At the Ness, we have extensive evidence of their earliest use in Scotland, tracing our shared roots back over 5,000 years. "Highland Park’s support will contribute to our exploration of this unique place, contributing to a worldwide understanding of our Neolithic ancestors.” The archaeological dig at Ness of Brodgar opens for only a short period of time over the summer. Each season requires funding of around £200,000 (US$250,000) to cover both the dig and any subsequent work by specialists in labs.