Orkney Single Malt Viking Heart 15YO
⏳ Drinking Window
As a distilled spirit, this single malt does not mature further in the bottle. It is released at its absolute peak of complexity and can be enjoyed immediately, remaining stable and pristine for decades if stored upright, sealed, and away from direct sunlight.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Rich blue cheeses like Stilton, smoked wild salmon or seared scallops, and high-quality dark chocolate desserts.
✨ Technical Specifications
Hailing from the wind-swept Orkney Islands, Highland Park is steeped in Norse heritage and legendary smuggling lore, founded in 1798 by Magnus Eunson, a direct descendant of Viking settlers. The 'Viking Heart' 15 Year Old is a testament to this rugged history, presented in a beautifully crafted ceramic decanter inspired by ancient earthenware vessels. This single malt is defined by Orkney's unique heather-rich peat, which burns slowly to impart a gentle, aromatic peat smoke rather than the medicinal peat of the Islay region. Master Distiller Gordon Motion carefully selects a high proportion of sherry-seasoned European and American oak casks, alongside select refill casks, to mature this expression. The result is a wonderfully complex spirit showcasing notes of warm vanilla sponge, rich sponge cake, toasted cinnamon, and sweet, lingering peat smoke.
🍾 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.