Winter approaches and I trust your thoughts are turning, as always, to Highland Park.

I am really excited about our latest release which, as a high-strength whisky that is bursting with flavour, is perfect for this time of year and will warm you on the chilliest of days.

Earl Magnus is a 15 year old Highland Park with the addition of some casks from the early 1990s to add even greater depth and a firmer structure. It takes its name from the most famous of the Viking Earls of Orkney, in whose memory the stunning cathedral in Kirkwall was built (less than a mile from the distillery) and stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of medieval master masons.

The Highland Park archive is home to many venerable bottles; one in particular, dating from the late 19th century, fits perfectly as an inspiration for celebrating the life of Earl Magnus, featuring an image of the saint taken from an ancient stained glass window.

The whisky has been created by Max MacFarlane, Whisky Maker, and is bottled at 52.6%. He has supplied the following tasting note for Earl Magnus:

Appearance: Golden honey, clear and bright.
Nose: Cedarwood and lemon. Mango chunks with hints of ginger and cinnamon bark.
Palate: Vanilla, balanced smokiness, milk chocolate and crystallized ginger.
Finish: Medium sweet with lingering spiciness.

Earl Magnus costs £85 per bottle and will be available in the UK, Canada, Cyprus, the Netherlands, Russia, Scandinavia and Switzerland. This bottling is a limit release of only 5976 bottles.

For more information on the Best Spirit in the World, please visit www.highlandpark.co.uk

Gerry
Whisky Brand Ambassador of the Year, 2010