HIGHLAND PARK RELEASES STUNNING AND CATEGORY BREAKING PACKAGING

TO REFLECT VIKING HERITAGE

‘The Orkney Single Malt with Viking Soul’ 

Highland Park has always been proud to stand apart from other single malt Scotch whiskies in terms of flavour and taste. Today, we are delighted to announce the release of our new packaging which forms part of a complete re-imagining of the overall brand identity.

The brand’s Orkney Islands home has an incredibly rich history rooted all the way back to 800AD when the Islands were owned and ruled by the Viking kingdoms of Denmark and Norway. Although Orkney became part of Scotland in 1468, Orcadians still feel a strong connection with their Viking heritage as 1 in 3 of them has Scandinavian DNA. In fact, since the brand’s creation in 1798, Highland Park single malt has been made by the modern day descendants of Vikings and who still today are fiercely proud of their Scandinavian roots.

Jason R. Craig, Brand Director, commented: “For whisky fans, their first point of contact with any brand is the bottle and carton on a shop shelf or on a back bar. So, we had to create a new bottle and carton design which would explain our Viking bloodline and why we are ‘The Orkney Single Malt with Viking Soul’.

“The inspiration for the design came from an ancient ‘Stavkirke’ (wooden church), a world Heritage site in the tiny Norwegian village of Ornes. The wooden church is heavily decorated with extensive and ornate wood carvings which we thought would look amazing on a glass bottle. The result is a beautiful, heavily embossed bottle featuring an illustration which depicts an ancient Viking legend of a lion locked in an enduring battle with the forces of evil in the form of serpent-like dragons.

“The new packaging includes a new, wider bottle, a metallic label design that complements the glass, embossed with a contemporary looking logo as well as a premium ‘Torq’ closure to keep the whisky safe. All of which, we believe, will add consumer interest and excitement around the brand,” Jason added.

The carton for each of the brand’s 12 and 18 Year Old whiskies also feature the ancient lion and dragon legend with embossed metallic detailing, ensuring enhanced premium cues, great visibility and stand-out on shelf. In addition, the statement ‘Made with Pride on Orkney’ features on the side of each carton as a tribute to the men and women of Orkney who produce the brand’s iconic and renowned single malt.

The whisky profile for Highland Park’s award winning 12 and 18 Year Old single malts remains unchanged. However, each variant has been given a sub-brand name to give a stronger individual identity to each whisky and as a tribute to those first Viking pioneers who settled on Orkney all those hundreds of years ago.

These sub brand names are inspired by the ‘Nine Noble Virtues’ which the Vikings’ community lived by:

• Highland Park 12 Year Old – Viking Honour – one of the Viking Nine Noble Virtues
• Highland Park 18 Year Old – Viking Pride – a virtue and to pay tribute to our multi-award winning whisky

The new packaging for Highland Park 12 Year Old will begin to appear on shelf in the UK from the end of April 2017 while Highland Park 18 Year Old will be out later in the year.

About Highland Park

Established in 1798 on Orkney, Highland Park is one of the most remote Scotch whisky distilleries in the world. For over 200 years, the distillery has combined time old tradition and the very best craftsmanship to achieve perfection. Its range of 12, Dark Origins, 15, 18, 21, 25, 30 and 40 year old single malts is consistently acclaimed by connoisseurs and experts. Highland Park has won a string of prestigious awards across its portfolio, most recently Highland Park ICE Edition was awarded 99 points and the Chairman’s Trophy at the Ultimate Beverage Challenge. While Highland Park 12, 15 and 18 Year Old were all awarded 96 points or above and the Tried and True Award at the Ultimate Beverage Challenge.

Authors’ Series Macallan 1993 Charles Dickens

Part of the Authors’ Series of single cask bottlings from independent bottler Hunter Laing & Co., this expression from Macallan was distilled in 1993 and bottled in 2015 at a natural cask strength of 54.8% abv.

One of only 99 bottles, this edition is somewhat typical of Macallan expressions from around this time with fruity and spicy notes creating a strikingly balanced whisky.

£600 Buy Now

Last remaining bottles

A Taste of History

New & Exclusive: Shackleton

Inspired by the story of explorer, Ernest Shackleton, this brand new blended malt Scotch whisky from Master Blender, Richard Patterson, recreates the Mackinlay’s Rare Old Highland Malt Whisky that Shackleton took on his 1907 expedition to the South Pole.

With the last bottles discovered under the ice in 2007, Paterson sought to produce his own interpretation of the taste in this blend launching exclusively with The Whisky Shop.

Combining the best Highland malt whiskies and allowing them to marry over a long period, Paterson has created an enigmatic blended malt with a dash of body and a whisper of smoke.

With complex notes of vanilla, honey and orchard fruits, the whisky has real warmth and depth, much like Shackleton himself.

£40 Buy Now

Shackleton The Journey

The second edition in the Shackleton project from Whyte & Mackay, The Journey is a rare and unique blended malt Scotch.

Following the discovery of 3 cases of Mackinlay’s Rare Old Highland Malt Whisky left under the ice in Antarctica by Sir Ernest Shackleton’s expedition to the South Pole some 100 years earlier, Master Blender Richard Paterson spent weeks in the laboratory nosing, tasting and deconstructing the whisky. This recreation comprises a wide selection of highland malts, including very old Glen Mhor which was the Mackinlay distillery before its closure in 1983.

Bottled at a strength of 47.3% abv, this blended malt has a light honey colour with shimmering straw highlights. The nose is elegant with delicate notes of crushed apple, pear and pineapple, with oak shavings, smoke and hints of buttery vanilla, caramel and nutmeg. The palate has a tantalising array of flavours, revealing a spirit with plenty of impact.

£110 Buy Now

Hello whiskey fans!  First, click on the video below to watch a great 3 minute recap of the 2017 Whiskey Obsession Festival.

Next, join us for a whiskey tasting at Michael’s Wine Cellar on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at 6:30 pm, featuring four American and three Scotch whiskies, hosted by Turner C. Moore.  Tickets are $25 per person and available by clicking the blue button or by calling 941-955-2675:  Michael’s Wine Cellar whiskey tasting reservations

Finally, save the date for the Sixth Annual Whiskey Obsession Festival, April 11 – 14, 2018.  Tickets will go on sale on December 1, 2017 – we’re already working hard to create some awesome new whiskey events!

You can also view the video on Facebook and tag yourself and your friends by clicking HERE 

New Exclusive “Old Particular” Release – Craigellachie 21 Year Old Single Barrel Cask

The Final Single Malt From Our Recent “Old Particular” Container 1995 Craigellachie 21 Year Old “Old Particular” ($89.99) “It’s the whole package and it’s here for a price that destroys any competitor on the market.” – David Driscoll, K&L Assistant Head Buyer.

There was a time at K&L when we had to explain to our customers where Craigellachie distillery was and what kind of whisky was made there. A few years ago, after prices for single barrels of single malt began to explode and availability for mature sherry-aged whiskies became scarce, we turned to the Dewar’s-owned distillery to replace some of the more popular brands on our shelf when we felt the prices were out of reach. Craigellachie is located in Scotland’s Speyside region and makes a rich and unctuous sherry-matured malt in the style of Macallan, Glenfarclas, and Glendronach, albeit for a fraction of the price. Now, however, after Craigellachie recently won “Best Single Malt in the World” from Whisky Magazine for its prized 31 year edition, we’re getting calls right and left about the distillery. Our clandestine source of finely-matured Scotch is no longer a secret! Luckily, we bought this cask a while back and have been sitting on it, waiting for the right time to release it to the market. For less than $100, this Craigellachie 21 year—bottled by the trustworthy Old Particular label—offers Speyside fans all the richness of Oloroso-aged single malt, at full proof no less, for a price that’s almost too good to believe.

With Bacardi’s Craigellachie taking home “Best Single Malt in the World” from Whisky Magazine for its 31 year old expression, the world’s attention is now on one of the Speyside’s lesser-known distilleries. Unless you’re a K&L customer, of course, in which case you’re probably aware that we’ve been bottling sherry-aged delights from Craigellachie for years now. While we’ve done a few stunning 18 and 19 year old editions recently, this 21 year old single cask edition not only takes the cake, it puts the cake in cakebread. Loaded with rich sherry flavor, at 53.3% cask strength the richness is accented by layers of caramel and sweet Oloroso character that are lifted by the higher ABV. The real shocker is that we managed to maintain the same price as the 18 year old editions, but for an even old whisky. Considering the official Craigellachie 23 year edition sells for nearly $250, we think our customers are going to be pretty jazzed about the sub-$100 price tag. Seeing that the distillery is well on its way to establishing a wider reputation, this might be the last time we locate this kind of hot deal.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 27, 2017

This is the last single malt from our most-recent Old Particular container! No more bottles scheduled now until mid-Summer at the earliest, so take advantage of this deal as we’ve saved the best for last. 21 year old single barrel sherry-matured Craigellachie at full proof! As brands like Glendronach and Glenfarclas have priced their single casks for similar whiskies at more than double the price here, we’ve turned to the Speyside distillery for our bargain-priced needs. It’s everything you love about Oloroso-aged Speyside Scotch: cakebread, fudge, cocoa, caramel, richness and weight. It’s the whole package and it’s here for a price that destroys any competitor on the market.

Andrew Stevens | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 26, 2017

This is another one of those bottlings we get from time to time that just seems to good to be true. For those who love the richness that sherry can offer to Scottish whisky and want something that has age and elegance, but do not want to spend hundreds of dollars I would normally say that you are out of luck. Then I get to taste something like this and I am still a little surprised at what is in the bottle and what we are selling it for. Warm rich fruit in syrup on the nose with some almond and vanilla lead to a big rich palate. Dried fruit and brown sugar with warming spices that start and slowly grow as the Scotch sits golden on the tongue. Long finish with growing heat that never seems to overwhelm even at cask strength, all of this and it is under $100. I mean it just seems silly, but oh so drinkable.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 27, 2017

This barrel packs a punch. An inviting rich caramel nose leads to a rich and mouth coating single malt that is packed full of sherry barrel influence, with dried fruit and caramel flavors leading the way. It is full bodied and has a round mouth feel.I tasted this Craigellachie with a splash of water.

Our friends at The Cure Starts Now Foundation are raffling off a once-in-a-lifetime selection of whiskeys and we wanted to make sure our bourbon-loving audience is well aware of the opportunity. Don’t delay on this amazing opportunity to support a great cause. Click the link below for more info and to purchase raffle tickets directly from The Cure Starts Now.

Cheers,

-The Party Source

THE CURE STARTS NOW BOURBON RAFFLE

INTRODUCING HIGHLAND PARK VALKYRIE SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

For Viking Warriors, death was not an end but a glorious beginning and it began with the Valkyries…

HIGHLAND PARK is proud to introduce VALKYRIE Special Edition single malt Scotch whisky.

In partnership with renowned Danish designer Jim Lyngvild, VALKYRIE is the first in a series of three VIKING LEGEND releases inspired by rich Viking history and mythology.

Having once been part of Denmark and Norway, Orkney became the raiding headquarters for Norwegian Vikings in the 8th and 9th century, shaping a unique past for the island. Magnus Eunson, who founded Highland Park in 1798, was a direct descendent of those first Viking pioneers. Even today, 1 in 3 Orkney islanders bear Scandinavian DNA and share a fierce pride for the rich Nordic ancestry woven into the islands’ traditions and culture.

It is this enduring culture and legacy that is the inspiration for VALKYRIE, set to launch in April 2017.

Highland Park approached Danish designer Jim Lyngvild, himself a modern day Viking and expert in Norse mythology, to design striking new packaging for the three special edition whiskies.

Valkyrie’s unique one-off design is inspired by two important Nordic sources – a typical Viking pendant from around 300-700AD discovered in Uppland, Sweden and the ancient Hammar Stone of Gotland which details the epic journey of the Valkyries,

In his distinctive style, Lyngvild has interpreted the ancient legend of the Valkyries – avenging horse-backed angels who combed the battlefields for the bravest of their fallen warriors – in an expressive, story-telling illustration for Highland Park.

Noticeably different from the traditional black and silver Highland Park packaging, the re-imagined design maintains the distillery’s ongoing references to Viking design whilst updating the graphics with a bolder, hand-drawn aesthetic.

Using embossed metallic detailing, he represents the Valkyries as shield-maidens of Odin, offering their god a drink of mead from a curved horn. The larger illustration features a winged Valkyrie with coiled hair and a necklace that pays homage to the goddess Freya’s magical Brísingamen torc (necklace).

Designer, Jim Lyngvild commented: “I am fiercely proud of my Viking ancestry and connection to the islands of Orkney. Working with Highland Park on the new Viking Legend series has been an honour and a unique opportunity to depict the ancient Norse myths and legends, so revered in Viking culture to a new, contemporary audience.”

Jason Craig, Highland Park brand director, added: “We’ve enjoyed delving deeper into Orkney’s history and heritage for the Viking Legend series, culminating in this exciting new collaboration with bona fide 21^st century Viking Jim Lyngvild. Jim’s knowledge about Viking history and the Viking way of life is rich in detail.

“The whisky itself, created by our Master Whisky Maker, Gordon Motion, dials up more of our smoky notes by incorporating more of our heathery peated malt. This creates a richer, fuller phenolic note that has balance due to the sweeter, heathery character of our moorland peat but it is a slight departure from our core 12 Year Old whisky.”

Notes to editors:  

1. Highland Park Valkyrie will launch in over 15 markets from April 2017.
2. RSP: £55.00 (70cl and 75cl)
3. Valkyrie is the first in a series of three Viking Legend releases. It will be followed by Valknut and Valhalla in 2018/19.

Tasting notes

Appearance:      Natural colour – bright, amber hue

Nose: Sharp tang of sweet green apples and ripening lemons

Palate: A bewitching mix of oriental spices. Driven by European Oak sherry seasoned casks, American Oak sherry-seasoned casks and Bourbon casks, the flavour profile is creamy vanilla with spicy, sweet, preserved ginger and lingering smokiness with hints of liquorice.

Finish: Exquisitely balanced, the long and lingering finish delivers waves of warm aromatic smoke and richly ripened fruit.

About Highland Park

Established in 1798 on Orkney, Highland Park is one of the most remote Scotch whisky distilleries in the world. For over 200 years, the distillery has combined time old tradition and the very best craftsmanship to achieve perfection. Its range of 12, Dark Origins, 15, 18, 21, 25, 30 and 40 year old single malts is consistently acclaimed by connoisseurs and experts. Highland Park has won a string of prestigious awards across its portfolio, most recently Highland Park ICE Edition was awarded 99 points and the Chairman’s Trophy at the Ultimate Beverage Challenge. While Highland Park 12, 15 and 18 Year Old were all awarded 96 points or above and the Tried and True Award at the Ultimate Beverage Challenge.

www.highlandparkwhisky.com

Please enjoy our brand responsibly www.drinkaware.co.uk

Icons of Whisky 2018

It’s that time of year again as the team here at Whisky Magazine begins the Icons of Whisky process for the 2018 awards, and we are very excited to be able to announce two new regions for this year. Australia and Ireland are joining the ever-growing list as we begin our search for the finest people and places in the whisky industry.

Categories remain unchanged for 2018 and as always we will be inviting the industry to nominate and vote for their Icons via our easy online system. We get things going this year with Australia and here are some key dates for your diary (subject to change), along with a reminder of the regions and categories:

Regional Nominations Open: 5 May 2017, Australia – results in Issue 146
21 July 2017, Ireland and Scotland – results in Issue 148
15 September 2017, India and Rest of World – results in Issue 149
10 November 2017, America – results in Issue 150
THE CATEGORIES Company Awards

• Brand Innovator
• Craft Producer
• Distiller
• Visitor Attraction

People Awards

• Distillery Manager
• Master Distiller / Master Blender
• Visitor Attraction Manager
• American Whiskey Brand Ambassador
• Irish Whiskey Brand Ambassador
• Scotch Whisky Brand Ambassador
• World Whisky Brand Ambassador

Retailer Awards

• Multiple Outlets Retailer
• Online Retailer
• Single Outlet Retailer
• Supermarket
• Travel Retailer

As always, we look forward to your participation and thank you for your continued support with our awards.

Keep an eye out on our website for more information, www.iconsofwhisky.com

Kind regards

Sam Coyne
Editorial Manager

Macallan Masters of Photography:  Steven Klein Edition

The sixth edition in the Macallan Masters of Photography series, this Speyside Highland Single Malt celebrates the work of Steven Klein in a limited edition of only 1,000 bottles. A truly awe-inspiring whisky, each component of Steven Klein’s art is reflected in the master whisky maker’s vision, creating a very specific and unusual whisky that mirrors the art itself.

Each of the Steven Klein Editions are presented in a stunning black leather presentation box. Within each box is a signed Steven Klein print, a distinctive black horse’s head bottle stopper designed by Klein, and a range of alchemic glassware including a dropper, an aroma still, an infuser, a cocktail class, a highball glass and a tumbler.

The nose has sweet berries to the fore, hints of chalk and light vanilla moving to dried fruits and period oak, with caramelised ginger, orange and a wisp of smoke. The palate has a lingering sweet spice, opening to the briefest subtle smoke, before dark chocolate, orange zest, oak and a late wood smoke. The finish is soft and rich, ending in wood smoke.

£27,500 Order Now

Set of 10, each with a different Steven Klein print

Single Grain Scotch

Single grain whiskies have their own different styles and are now highly prized by the whisky enthusiast. We’ve got lots to choose from including some very well aged whiskies from the 1960s, 70s and 80s alongside some very keenly priced expressions from lost Scottish distilleries including Cambus, Port Dundas and Dumbarton.

SHOP GRAINS NOW