Highland Park 18 Year Old Viking Pride Whisky 70cl
ABV: 43% | Origin: Scotland (Orkney Islands)

Highland Park 18 Year Old Viking Pride is a masterfully balanced single malt whisky, showcasing Orkney’s signature harmony of sweet and smoky notes. It features rich layers of dried fruits, honey, and dark chocolate, complemented by aromatic heather peat, warm spices, and toasted oak. The finish is long and elegant, with a perfect blend of sweetness, spice, and gentle smokiness.

Tasting Profile

• Nose: Rich aromatic honey, heather peat, sweet dried fruits, dark chocolate orange, gentle smoke, and subtle spice
• Palate: Silky smooth with complex layers of honey sweetness, rich fruitcake, winter spices, dark chocolate, light peat smoke, and hints of sea salt
• Finish: Long and luxurious with lingering sweetness, gentle smokiness, oak spice, and subtle coastal character

Production Details

• Distillation method: Traditional copper pot stills
• Cask type(s):
  • Primarily European oak sherry seasoned casks
  • Small proportion of American oak bourbon casks for balance
• Special processes:
  • Traditional floor malting of a portion of the barley
  • Use of local Orkney peat rich in heather
  • Natural presentation with no artificial coloring
  • 18 years of maturation in the cool, temperate Orkney climate

Perfect For

• Single malt connoisseurs seeking balanced complexity
• Special occasions and meaningful celebrations
• Whisky collectors appreciating heritage and craftsmanship
• Those who enjoy the interplay of sherried richness and gentle smoke
• Experienced whisky drinkers looking for sophisticated depth

Expert Notes

• Multiple award-winner including "Best Spirit in the World" (Spirit Journal)
• Often cited as exemplifying perfect balance in Scotch whisky
• Showcases Highland Park's distinctive heather-honey peat character
• Demonstrates the impact of Orkney's unique maritime climate on maturation

Customer Reviews

• "The perfect balance of sweetness, smoke, and complexity." – James M. ★★★★★
• "Worth every penny for a truly special single malt experience." – Sarah L. ★★★★★
• "Sets the benchmark for what great whisky should be." – Robert C. ★★★★★

Interesting Facts

• Highland Park is Scotland's northernmost distillery, founded in 1798
• The "Viking Pride" name references Orkney's strong Norse heritage
• The distillery maintains traditional floor malting for a portion of their barley
• Orkney peat is uniquely rich in heather, creating a distinctive aromatic smoke

Serving Suggestions

• Best enjoyed neat in a tulip-shaped whisky glass
• Allow time to breathe and develop in the glass
• A few drops of spring water can open up additional layers of flavor
• Pair with dark chocolate, rich fruit cake, or blue cheese

Distillery

• Highland Park Distillery, established in 1798 on the Orkney Islands, stands as Scotland's northernmost distillery. Its remote island location provides a unique maritime climate that profoundly influences maturation. Highland Park maintains traditional production methods including floor malting and using aromatic Orkney peat rich in heather. The 18 Year Old Viking Pride expression exemplifies their commitment to balanced complexity, showcasing the harmony between sherry cask maturation, gentle heather peat smoke, and the distinctive Orcadian character that has earned this whisky consistent critical acclaim as one of the world's finest single malts.