Orkney Single Malt Soren Solaer Photography 26YO (((Bottled 2019)))
⏳ Drinking Window
As a highly matured 26-year-old single malt Scotch whisky, this bottle is ready to be enjoyed immediately upon release. Unlike fine wine, spirits do not continue to age in the bottle, but when stored upright in a cool, dark place, this exceptional bottling will retain its peak complexity and character for many decades.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Rich blue cheeses such as Stilton, high-quality dark chocolate with sea salt, or slow-cooked game dishes like roasted venison.
✨ 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 direct descendant of Viking pioneers who doubled as a butcher and a smuggler, the distillery is famous for its slow, traditional methods. This rare 26-year-old single malt was released in 2019 to celebrate the 26-year career of acclaimed Danish photographer Søren Solkær, who documented the distillery's modern-day craftsmen. Distilled using Orkney's unique, woodless heather peat from Hobbister Moor, this expression was matured in a combination of sherry-seasoned American oak casks and bourbon casks. The result is a deeply complex spirit showcasing Highland Park's signature aromatic peat smoke, balanced by sweet notes of heather honey, ripe peaches, warm spices, and toasted oak.
🍾 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.