Highland Park Ice Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Highland Park, located in the Orkney Islands, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: Aged for 17 years, primarily in ex-American white oak casks. The whisky showcases a mix of first-fill and refill casks, with no mention of sherry cask involvement, suggesting a focus on ex-bourbon cask maturation.
Age Statement: 17 years.
Color & Clarity: Described as lighter than gold, akin to white wine, indicating a natural color without caramel coloring.
Bottle Design: The bottle is blue, symbolizing ice, with a wooden stopper and engravings of the Highland Park emblem. It comes in an oak wood cradle shaped like a mountain, featuring a magnetic opening mechanism. The design includes a circle representing the circle of life, protected by a serpent, a key figure in Norse mythology.

Nose: Intense aromas of fresh pineapple, ripe mango sorbet, and silvery shades of smoke, with a frosty kick of root ginger.
Palate: A powerful blend of silvery, misty peat smoke intertwined with pearlescent vanilla seeds and overtones of molten orris root. The flavor is creamy, rich, and oily, with a snowball effect into long lingering woodiness and dry, feverish spices.
Finish: Harmonious, with a creamy richness and a slight dryness, maintaining a balance of sweetness and oiliness.

The Highland Park Ice Edition delves into classic Norse mythology, celebrating the Viking roots of Orkney. It references the Ice Realm Nilfheim and the ice giants from Norse myths, tying the whisky's identity to these ancient stories.

Highland Park Ice Edition pays homage to the Orkney Islands' Viking heritage, exploring themes from Norse mythology. The Orkney Islands have a rich history intertwined with Viking culture, further emphasized by the whisky's storytelling and packaging.

Horst Luening, the mastertaster of whisky.com, praises the whisky for its wonderful rich nose, intense and impressive taste, and complex yet smooth aftertaste. He notes the whisky's balance and the distinct presence of vanilla and pineapple, attributing these characteristics to the maturation process.

Highland Park Ice is a 17-year-old single malt Scotch whisky, matured in ex-American white oak casks.
It features a unique bottle design and packaging that pays tribute to Norse mythology and the Viking heritage of Orkney.
The flavor profile is rich and complex, with a notable balance of fruity, smoky, and spicy elements.
The whisky is celebrated for its storytelling, connecting its identity to the ancient myths of the Norse gods and the Viking roots of its home.

For Enthusiasts of Mythology and History: Individuals fascinated by Norse mythology and Viking history will appreciate the thematic depth and storytelling.
For Collectors: The unique packaging and limited release make it a desirable addition to any collection.
For Whisky Connoisseurs: Those seeking a complex and balanced flavor profile with a rich nose and harmonious finish will find the Highland Park Ice Edition particularly enjoyable.
For Fans of Non-Sherry Matured Whiskies: Individuals who prefer whiskies without the influence of sherry casks will appreciate the distinct character of this expression.