HIGHLAND PARK HAILED AS NUMBER ONE SCOTCH

For the third consecutive time, Orcadian Highland Park single malt has been awarded top marks by leading US independent whisky expert Paul Pacult in his coveted list of best spirits in the Spirits Journal 2010.

Following its Best Spirit in the World accolades in 2005 and 2009*, Highland Park 18 year old single malt ranks as the number one Scotch this year, while Highland Park 25 year old comes in at number 14.  Highland Park 18 year old was also included in Pacult’s listing of “5 ‘Trapped-on-an-Island’ Spirits That Sue and I Could Not Live Without.” 

Paul Pacult commented on Highland Park’s number one rating: “This classic continues to be a stupendous work of distilling art that, I believe, is one of the greatest beverage alcohol liquids ever produced and is assuredly the finest of the last 20 years.  Graceful on the one hand; might and fathomless on the other. Delectably salty/peaty/maritime on the one hand; intensely malty on the other. If I could only select but one Scotch whisky, Highland Park 18 year old would remain that very special singular choice. A masterpiece to savour many times before one dies.”

Commenting on hitting the number one spot, Gerry Tosh, Head of Brand Education, said: “Paul Pacult’s continuous support is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our team at the distillery. Highland Park 18 year old is the whisky we are most proud of and it has received the most plaudits from experts and enthusiasts alike. 

“The reason, we believe, it wins more awards than any of our other whiskies is down to the perfect balance of sweet and smoke. We use 45% first-filled sherry casks, predominantly European, which gives that rich sweetness and aromatic Orcadian peat and a subtle, gentle smoky aftertaste.

“When you nose Highland Park 18 year old, you will find big toffee notes, almonds and sherry and dark skinned fruit but more importantly when you drink it, you are rewarded with a unique dryness followed by a water sensation that leaves you with rich full flavour, hints of honey and peat with a soft, long rounded finish.” 

Highland Park 18 year old is available in Tesco, Oddbins, and specialist retailers or online at www.highlandpark.co.uk and at an RRP of £63.

*F. Paul Pacult, Spirit Journal, 2005 & 2009

NOTES

Established in 1798, Highland Park is one of the oldest Scotch whisky distilleries. More important than age though, is the combination of traditional whisky-making techniques with obsessive attention to detail that has made Highland Park arguably the most respected single malt in the world.

Five keystones contribute to making the Best Spirit in the World:

·        Hand-turned malt adds to the deliciously succulent, balanced layers of aromatic character found in Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.

·        Aromatic peat gives a delectably seductive, luxuriant floral sweetness to Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.

·        Cool maturation enhances the smooth character of Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.

·        Sherry oak casks contribute to the distinctive richness and multi-dimensional complexity of Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.

·        Cask harmonisation ensures consistency and balance in Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.

 Awards and accolades

2010 Global Whisky Ambassador of the Year – Gerry Tosh, Icons of Whisky Awards, Whisky Magazine

2009 World’s Best New Release – Highland Park 40 year old, World Whisky Awards, Whisky Magazine

2009 Single Malt of the Year – Highland Park 21 year old, World Whisky Awards, Whisky Magazine

2005 & 2009 Best Spirit in the World – Highland Park 18 year old, F. Paul Pacult, Spirit Journal

2007 Distiller of the Year, San Francisco World Spirits Competition