Highland Park 15 Year Old Review: 'Even For Those Who Don't Choose Smoke in Their Glass'

At the Highland Park Distillery on Orkney, a variety of Scotch whiskies are made that have been beloved by fans for many years. The whiskies have a distinct smoky flavor, thanks to the Orkney heather. This is complemented by the profile of the barrels in the 15-year-old scion, creating an unique interplay between smoke and sherry. You can discover how that turns out in this Highland Park 15 Year Old Review.

The Highland Park Distillery has managed to create a unique profile for each of its whiskies. A common thread is the distinct smoky flavor, thanks to the peatlands on Orkney. For example, heather grows everywhere on the island, which also ends up in the peat. The smoke emanating from this peat gives the spirit (and eventually the whisky) a unique, floral touch.

In the case of the Highland Park 15, the Scottish distillery selected a maturation in first-fill sherry seasoned American oak barrels. In addition to this, first-fill sherry seasoned European oak barrels were used. Ultimately, a balance between the flavors was achieved by marrying everything in a number of refill barrels.

That whole mix ended up in a bottle at a slightly higher alcohol content than is customary for the distillery. The divine drink is bottled at 44 percent alcohol by volume (ABV).

The entire core range of the Highland Park Distillery was recently revamped. The Viking theme was replaced by a somewhat more chic look that highlights the connection between the whisky maker and Orkney.

The busy bottles and boxes have suddenly become a lot calmer, in terms of color and layout. The Highland Park logo is embossed on the glass, and above that is a white label, adorned with the island's signature: heather.

The box in which the whisky is delivered is no longer black but neutral in color. The texture is a kind of wood grain pointing at the barrels used for the whisky's maturation. This texture varies for each Highland Park whisky and has a few important advantages: the packaging is sustainable, sleek and each Highland Park expression is unique in appearance.

By the way, the distillery has only revamped the packaging. The whisky is still the same as the one with which the distillery has won multiple awards year after year. One of these awards is a double gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Challenge 2024.

The Highland Park distillery describes the 15-year-old divine drink on the packaging and the bottle as complex and rich. This becomes immediately apparent as soon as the whisky pours into the glass, where it reveals its oily character.

At first sniff, a mix of warm pineapple and orchard fruits rise from the glass. There's a noticeable hint of toffee, and something that reminds of warm vanilla with a sugar coating. Underneath all these aromas, there's a subtle smoky layer carrying a floral note.

The Highland Park 15 Year Old whisky brings a bit more smoke to mouth than the younger expression, although this is greatly moderated by sweeter notes of vanilla and honey. As the subtle smoke gradually comes through, you can taste hints of resin, cinnamon, and the floral notes of the Orkney heather. It's an interesting profile, even recommended for those who usually aren't fond of smoky flavors in their glass.

Towards the finish, there's a stronger hint of cinnamon and soft notes of warm leather and some peat smoke come forward. The finish is nicely balanced with the whisky's flavor profile, but it does not last very long.

The Highland Park Distillery likes to talk about its unique peat smoke soaked in heather. This story is effectively brought to life with a sip of this whisky. The subtle smokiness of this single malt is floral and different from other smoky flavors. And it's perfectly balanced with the rest of the flavors, to form an interesting mix.

+ Interesting profile for every enthusiast

+ An excellent showcase of Highland Park's heather smoke

+ Beautifully striking bottle

- Not for lovers of heavy smoky flavors