Highland Park Sigurd Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Highland Park, part of the Warrior Series named after Viking warriors.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: No specific details provided, but it's suggested that sherry casks were involved in the maturation process.
Age Statement: No age statement.
ABV: 43%.
Color: Described as autumnal gold, clear, and bright.
Bottle Design: Comes in a heavy oak box, indicative of its collector's series status. The bottle had a leaking issue due to the stopper not being glued correctly to the cork.

Nose: Fresh hay bales, mango, golden syrup, caramelized pineapple, and a fragrant smokiness.
Palate: Sweet lemon peel, spicy cinnamon bark, oaky woodiness, and a hint of lavender.
Finish: Spicy smokiness with lingering dusty wood notes.
Overall: The whisky has a medium sweet smokiness without being phenolic or medicinal. It features caramelized fruitiness and a complexity that includes oxidized fruit from sherry casks, with a mouthfeel that is spicy yet not bitter.

Series Name: Part of the Warrior Series, named after Sigurd, a feared Viking earl known for his bravery and large sword. The series celebrates Viking heritage and craftsmanship.
Anecdote: The bottle reviewed was personally kept by the host due to a leaking cork, making it unsellable but adding a personal touch to the review.

Viking Heritage: The Warrior Series, including Sigurd, draws heavily on Viking history and legends, particularly those from the Orkneying Saga. It celebrates the Viking influence over Scotland and their renowned craftsmanship.

"Fantastic smokiness... just as it had to be with a level of say 10 ppm not more."
"This lemon peel, little zestiness, then this sharp spiciness, probably this cinnamon bark yes."
"Wonderful mouthfeel. Intense, 43%, not too strong. So it's easy, easy sipping, lingering."

Highland Park Sigurd is a no-age statement single malt Scotch whisky, part of the Warrior Series.
It features a flavor profile with medium sweet smokiness, caramelized fruitiness, and a spicy yet not bitter mouthfeel.
The series celebrates Viking heritage, with Sigurd named after a legendary Viking earl.
The whisky is described as having an autumnal gold color and comes in a heavy oak box.
Expert opinions highlight its fantastic smokiness, wonderful mouthfeel, and easy sipping quality.

For Collectors: Given its status as part of a collector's series and its unique packaging, it's highly recommended for whisky collectors, especially those interested in Viking history.
For Whisky Enthusiasts: Enthusiasts who appreciate a well-balanced smoky profile with hints of fruitiness and spice will find this whisky intriguing.
For Beginners: The easy sipping nature of this whisky, despite its complexity, makes it accessible for beginners curious about exploring smoky whiskies without the intensity of more phenolic expressions.