Highland Park Odin Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Highland Park Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: Aged for 16 years, initially matured in 13-year-old refill hogsheads from European wood ex-sherry hogsheads, then transferred to fresh sherry casks for an additional three years.
Age Statement: 16 years.
ABV: 55.8%.
Color & Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the bottle design is noted as "existentially black," suggesting a dark, rich color of the whisky.
Bottle Design: Unique, with a black exterior and Viking-themed elements, including dragon heads from Viking boats with magnets. The design is described as old-style and not smooth.

Balance of Flavors: Well-balanced, with a complex interplay between sweetness and bitterness.
Unique Characteristics: Strong sherry influence, oakiness from European oak, and a hint of smokiness that complements rather than overwhelms other flavors.
Comparison: Compared to other Highland Park whiskies, Odin is noted for its older age, stronger flavor, and better quality, as befitting the "father of the gods."
Flavor Notes: Light and floral on the nose, with strong sherry, a hint of cinnamon, fruity oloroso sherry, nuttiness, dark fruits like plums and oranges, coffee bitterness, and a long, well-balanced aftertaste of sweetness and bitterness.

Valhalla Series: Odin is the last in a series of four whiskies named after Norse gods, following Thor, Loki, and Freya. Each whisky in the series reflects the characteristics of its namesake deity.
Anecdotes: The host shares a personal story of attending the official introduction of Highland Park Odin in Munich, Germany, where he received a sample of the whisky.

Norse Mythology: The Valhalla series, including Odin, draws heavily on Norse mythology, with each whisky embodying the traits of a Norse god. This thematic choice adds a layer of cultural significance to the whisky.
Scottish Tradition: As a product of Highland Park Distillery, Odin is rooted in the rich tradition of Scottish whisky-making, combining traditional techniques with thematic Norse mythology.

Opinion on Value: The host questions whether the high price (up to 700 euros) is justified by the taste, suggesting that other Highland Park whiskies might offer better value for those more interested in flavor than collecting.
Quote: "It's very long, it's well balanced, switching back and forth more nuttiness... This is a good one."

Highland Park Odin is a 16-year-old single malt Scotch whisky with a strong sherry influence and a unique, dark bottle design.
It features a complex flavor profile with a balance of sweetness and bitterness, enhanced by a hint of smokiness.
Part of the Valhalla series, Odin is themed around Norse mythology, embodying the characteristics of the Norse god Odin.
The whisky is considered a collector's item, with only 17,000 bottles available worldwide, leading to high prices.
Expert opinion suggests that while Odin is a high-quality whisky, other Highland Park offerings might provide better value for those focused on taste.

Whisky Collectors: Given its limited availability and thematic significance, collectors, especially those with the other Valhalla series whiskies, will find Odin a must-have.
Fans of Sherry-Cask Whiskies: Individuals who appreciate the rich, fruity, and nutty flavors typical of sherry cask maturation will enjoy Odin's flavor profile.
Norse Mythology Enthusiasts: Those with an interest in Norse mythology may be drawn to the cultural and thematic aspects of the Valhalla series, making Odin a compelling choice.
Experienced Whisky Drinkers: The complex balance of flavors and the higher ABV might appeal more to experienced drinkers looking for a whisky with depth and character.