Orkney Single Malt Whitlaw Hogshead 'Full Cask' No 623
⏳ wine.drinking_window
As a premium distilled single malt Scotch whisky, this bottle is fully matured and ready to be enjoyed upon release. It does not age further in the bottle and will remain in peak condition indefinitely if stored upright in a cool, dark place.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Smoked wild salmon or cured meats, mature blue cheeses like Stilton, and rich dark chocolate desserts.
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Hailing from the wind-swept Orkney Islands, Whitlaw is a highly regarded pseudonym used by independent bottlers for single malt distilled at the legendary Highland Park distillery. Steeped in Viking heritage and folklore, the distillery's origins trace back to the famous 18th-century smuggler Magnus Eunson, who famously hid his illicit spirits beneath the local church pulpit. This single malt's distinct character is deeply tied to its unique island terroir, particularly the local Orcadian peat. Composed almost entirely of ancient, decomposed heather, this peat infuses the malt with a sweet, floral, and aromatic smoke rather than the heavy, medicinal notes found in Islay whiskies. Maturation in a single hogshead cask (No 623) allows the spirit to develop a harmonious balance of heather honey, soft coastal brine, delicate peat smoke, and toasted oak, capturing the rugged beauty of the northernmost reaches of Scotland.
🍾 wine.about_producer
Established in 1798 by Magnus Eunson in Kirkwall on the Orkney Islands, Highland Park is one of the northernmost Scotch whisky distilleries in the world. Today owned by the Edrington Group, the distillery maintains an uncompromising commitment to heritage, utilizing traditional hand-turned floor maltings and aromatic, heather-rich peat sourced from nearby Hobbister Moor. Highland Park is globally renowned for aging its single malts in bespoke sherry-seasoned oak casks, yielding a signature flavor profile characterized by a harmonious balance of gentle peat smoke and rich, honeyed sweetness. This meticulous craftsmanship is showcased in highly acclaimed expressions ranging from their flagship 12 and 18-year-olds to rare, collectible releases aged up to 50 years.