Highland Park 21 Year Old - 2020 Release (70cl, 46%)

Another outstanding Orkney whisky here from the Highland Park Distillery – it's the 2020 release of its 21 year old single malt! For this expression, Highland Park used whiskies drawn from three different types of cask, namely sherry-seasoned first-fill European oak hogsheads, ex-bourbon casks, and refill casks. A total of 55 casks were used to create it, and it's been bottled up at 46% ABV.

Nose: Sultana, toffee ice cream, characteristic heathery smoke and a hint of baked earth.

Palate: Still smoky and rich, now with clementine, caraway, and a smidge of black pepper in the mix. A slow build of mature oak, too.

Finish: Black tea and vanilla pod earthiness, alongside a little liquorice sweetness.