Orkney Single Malt XOP 20YO (((Bottled 2016)))
⏳ Drinking Window
As a distilled spirit, this single malt does not mature further in the bottle and is ready to be savored immediately. Unopened, it will remain pristine for decades; once opened, it is best enjoyed within 1 to 2 years to preserve its delicate aromatic complexity.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Rich blue cheeses such as Stilton, high-quality dark chocolate, and slow-roasted venison or wild game.
✨ Technical Specifications
Nestled in the windswept Orkney Islands of Scotland, Highland Park stands as one of the northernmost distilleries in the world, steeped in Norse mythology and Viking history. This exceptional 20-year-old single malt, selected and bottled in 2016 under Hunter Laing's prestigious Xtra Old Particular (XOP) range, represents a rare single-cask expression of remarkable depth. Highland Park's signature character is defined by hand-turned floor maltings and the use of ancient, heather-rich peat cut from the nearby Hobbister Moor. This imparts a unique, aromatic, and gentle smoky sweetness, beautifully integrated with maritime salinity, dried orchard fruits, and rich oak spice acquired over two decades of patient maturation.
🍾 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.