If I was to say Earl Magnus and Saint Magnus, I am pretty confident that you will say what about Earl Haakon? Well for some time now Highland Park fans around the world have been patiently waiting for the third, and final, edition in Highland Park’s Magnus Series.

But now I can exclusively reveal to you, and only you as an Inner Circle member and foot soldier in the Highland Park army, that Earl Haakon will be available from today.

The long-awaited and much anticipated Earl Haakon continues the story from the Orkney Inga Saga but reflects the darker, more sinister character by bringing the murderous cousin into the spotlight. Whilst the first two bottlings in the Series celebrated the influential 11th century Earl Magnus who was canonised to become Saint Magnus only 20 years after his untimely death, his cousin Haakon was far closer to the warmongering and violent Viking of legend. It was in fact Haakon who ordered the death of Earl Magnus under the most deceitful and murderous of circumstances.
 
The story of Magnus and Haakon is truly legendary in Orkney. The two were joint rulers of Orkney for a period of peace and harmony however things changed and they become enemies. Legend has it that the two agreed to meet for a peace meeting but the treacherous Haakon sailed up with eight fully-equipped warships, outnumbering Magnus and sealing his fate. Haakon had won the battle for supremacy over Orkney but it is Magnus who is remembered today.

Earl Haakon adopts the character of its namesake through 18 year old cask strength single malt giving a character-busting ABV of 54.9%. This Orcadian beast encapsulates the spirit of Haakon, a true berserker and warrior, to capture the depth of flavour of Highland Park’s multi-award wining 18 year old but adding a new dimension achieved through one vatting.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Rich russet, clear and bright
Nose: Shellac, hot fudge, gingercake, lemon zest and blackcurrants with a hint of damsons
Palate: Sweet vanilla, wood smoke, cedarwood and ginger
Finish: Lingering spiciness, medium sweet and long

This time around we are only making 3,300 bottles for the whole world, so I would set pretty good odds that this will sell out in record time and build on the success of both Earl Magnus and Saint Magnus. Earl Haakon will be available from www.highlandpark.co.uk at a RRP of £160.

I do hope that you will act quickly and take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity, as I’ve no doubt that Earl Haakon will become a legend in the history of Highland Park.

Slainte!

Gerry Tosh
Head of Brand Education,
Whisky Ambassador of the Year