Highland Park Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Release #4), Orkney, Scotland

Our fourth release has been matured predominantly in first-fill sherry seasoned European oak casks, along with first-fill sherry seasoned American oak casks, a small quantity of refill casks, ex-bourbon casks and – for the first time – ex-port casks too. Bottled straight from the cask, without the addition of water to reduce alcohol content, our Cask Strength series marries the traditional craft of whisky making with a modern approach to flavour exploration.

Cask Strength Release No. 4 opens with enticing aromas of toasted coconut, driven by the ex-bourbon casks, along with crushed lemons and cedarwood; there’s a delightful hint of Turkish Delight in the aromatic peat smoke too, thanks to the influence of the ex-port casks. Intriguing flavours of zesty pink grapefruit and fragrant rose water emerge on the palate, expertly balanced by earthier suggestions of toasted oak and heather-rich peat, while the long finish reveals exotic sun-baked spices and a ribbon of liquorice running through the final breath of floral peat smoke.