Orkney Single Malt XOP 25YO
⏳ wine.drinking_window
As a distilled spirit, this single malt does not mature further in the bottle and will remain stable indefinitely if stored upright and away from direct light. Once opened, it is best enjoyed within 1 to 3 years to experience its complex aromatic profile at its peak.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Rich blue cheeses such as Stilton, high-quality dark chocolate with sea salt, and roasted game dishes like venison or smoked duck.
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Hailing from the wind-swept Orkney Islands of Scotland, Highland Park is legendary for its Viking heritage and rugged maritime terroir. This extraordinary 25-year-old single malt, bottled under Douglas Laing's prestigious 'Xtra Old Particular' (XOP) range, represents the pinnacle of single-cask Scotch whisky craftsmanship. Founded in 1798 by Magnus Eunson—a direct descendant of Viking settlers who famously used his position as a church officer to hide smuggled spirits beneath the pulpit—Highland Park relies on Orkney's unique, woodless peat. Composed almost entirely of decomposed heather, this peat infuses the malt with a gentle, floral smokiness. Over a quarter-century of maturation in a single cask, the harsh northern elements breathe through the wood, marrying the coastal brine and heather honey sweetness with deep oak spices, dried fruits, and a whisper of cocoa.
🍾 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.