February 23, 2023
Highland Park debuts 54YO for $47,000
Orkney-based Highland Park has launched its oldest Scotch whisky to date, a 54-year-old single malt priced at £39,000 (US$47,000).
Limited to 225 bottles, the whisky has been released ahead of the distillery’s 225th anniversary this year. The liquid was originally laid down in 1968. Four refill butts and six refill hogsheads were combined in February 2008 and poured into first-fill European Sherry butts, where the liquid was left to rest for its final 14 years. Gordon Motion, Highland Park master whisky maker, said: “This exceptionally rare 54-year-old single malt Scotch whisky has been nurtured through careful maturation and harmonisation. "Representing a quarter of Highland Park’s life, we felt it was a fitting way to mark our 225th anniversary; born and crafted in the heart of Orkney.” The whisky is described as ‘sweet, rich and complex’ with notes of lychee and camphor, vintage oak and delicate peat on the nose. The palate brings warm spices, crushed cumin, coriander seeds, rose and jasmine with a hint of kiwi fruit and pistachio, followed by a finish of sweet fenugreek and heathery peat smoke. Bottled at 46.9% ABV, the whisky will be available in the UK from Berry Bros & Rudd and The Whisky Shop from 23 February 2023. Michael Rudak, senior designer at Stoelzle Flaconnage, created the bottle, which features a conical ‘push’ at the base in tribute to the mash tuns at the distillery. The single malt comes in a presentation box made from Scottish oak, alongside an invite to attend a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience in Orkney. The box has been designed to replicate the cliffs of Yesnaby on the Scottish island. Founded in Kirkwall, Orkney, in 1798, Highland Park is among the 10 oldest working distilleries in Scotland. In August last year, Highland Park added a third bottling to its Cask Strength series – the smokiest single malt in the range to date. Highland Park owner Edrington saw its revenue soar by 45% for the year ending 31 March 2022.
