Orkney Single Malt Whitlaw Refill Hogshead 'Full Cask' No 121
⏳ wine.drinking_window
As a distilled spirit, this single malt does not mature further in the bottle and can be kept indefinitely if stored upright away from direct sunlight. Once opened, it is best enjoyed within 1 to 3 years to preserve its complex aromatic profile.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Smoked salmon or gravlax, mature blue cheeses such as Stilton, and rich dark chocolate desserts.
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Hailing from the windswept Orkney Islands, Whitlaw is a highly regarded name among spirits enthusiasts, representing single malt distilled at the legendary Highland Park distillery. Orkney's unique terroir is defined by its harsh maritime climate and the ancient Hobbister Moor, which yields a highly distinct peat composed almost entirely of decomposed heather. Unlike the medicinal, iodine-heavy peat of Islay, Orkney peat imparts a gentle, sweet, and aromatic smoke. This specific release, matured in a refill hogshead (Cask No 121), showcases the pure, unadorned character of the distillate. The refill wood allows the coastal salinity, heather honey, and delicate peat smoke to take center stage, echoing the legendary tales of Magnus Eunson, the smuggler and founder who distilled under the cover of darkness in the late 18th century.
🍾 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.