Orkney Single Malt 2nd Fill Red Wine Barrique 'Full Cask' No 134
⏳ Drinking Window
As a high-proof single malt Scotch whisky, this bottle is stable and does not mature further in glass; it can be enjoyed immediately upon release or cellared indefinitely. Once opened, it is best consumed within 1 to 2 years to preserve its vibrant red wine cask influence and delicate peat smoke.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Slow-roasted venison with a berry reduction, mature blue cheeses such as Stilton, and rich dark chocolate tarts.
✨ Technical Specifications
Highland Park, situated on the windswept Orkney Islands, is one of Scotland's northernmost distilleries, deeply steeped in Viking heritage and lore. Founded in 1798 by the legendary smuggler and preacher Magnus Eunson, the distillery is famous for its traditional hand-turned floor maltings and the use of aromatic, heather-rich peat cut from nearby Hobbister Moor. This specific 'Full Cask' No. 134 release showcases a unique maturation journey, utilizing a second-fill red wine barrique. The interaction between Highland Park's signature sweet, floral peat smoke and the residual red fruit and tannin characteristics of the wine-seasoned oak cask creates an extraordinary tapestry of dried red berries, dark chocolate, and warm baking spices, all overlaid with a gentle maritime salinity.
🍾 About the Producer
Perched on the windswept Orkney archipelago off Scotland's northern coast, Highland Park was founded in 1798 by illicit distiller Magnus Eunson before securing official licensing in 1826. Owned by Edrington and directed by Master Whisky Maker Marc Watson, the distillery remains one of the few in Scotland to maintain traditional floor maltings for a portion of its barley. Terroir here is inextricably linked to the island's environment: Orkney's tree-deficient landscape yields heather-rich peat harvested from nearby Hobbister Moor, imparting an aromatic, floral smoke fundamentally distinct from the medicinal iodine of Islay. Distillation occurs in copper pot stills, followed by patient maturation predominantly in sherry-seasoned European and American oak casks within maritime dunnage warehouses. Celebrated benchmark expressions include the flagship 12, 18, and 21 Year Old releases, as well as ultra-aged rarities such as the Orcadian Vintage Series and landmark 40- and 50-year-old single malts.