Orkney Single Malt Refill Bourbon Barrel 'Full Cask' No 223
⏳ Drinking Window
As a distilled spirit, this single cask malt does not age further in the bottle and is ready to enjoy immediately upon release. It will remain in pristine condition indefinitely if kept sealed and upright out of direct sunlight.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Smoked Scottish salmon, mature blue cheeses such as Stilton, and high-quality dark chocolate.
✨ Technical Specifications
Highland Park, situated on the windswept Orkney Islands of Scotland, is steeped in Viking history and legendary lore. Founded in 1798 by Magnus Eunson—a butcher, beadle, and legendary illicit distiller—the distillery stands as one of the northernmost in the world. This 'Full Cask' No 223 release showcases the distillery's signature style matured in a refill bourbon barrel. Unlike first-fill casks, refill bourbon barrels impart a gentler wood influence, allowing Orkney's unique terroir to take center stage. The island's peat, composed almost entirely of decomposed heather rather than forest wood, delivers a sweet, aromatic, and delicate floral smoke. Combined with the cool, maritime climate that ensures a slow, even maturation, this single malt balances gentle peat, soft vanilla, citrus notes, and a distinct coastal 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.