Highland Park Thor Valhalla Collection 52.1% 700ml

The Highland Park Thor Valhalla Collection is a remarkable 16-year-old single malt whisky, first released in 2012. As the inaugural edition in Highland Park's esteemed Valhalla Collection, this whisky highlights Orkney's rich Scandinavian heritage. Named after the Norse God of Thunder, Thor, this edition draws inspiration from the Cliffs of Yesnaby on Orkney's west coast. Bottled at a cask strength of 52.1% ABV, it was produced in a limited run of 23,000 bottles, making it a true collector's item. Highland Park distillery, located in Kirkwall, Orkney, boasts a long and storied history dating back to the 18th century. Founded by either David Robertson or Magnus Eunson—a notorious smuggler churchman—the distillery has been under the ownership of the Edrington Group since 1999. Highland Park is celebrated for its lightly smoky character, derived from its own peated floor-maltings, which constitute around 20% of the barley used for distillation. This exceptional whisky is presented in a stunning wooden frame inspired by a Viking longship, adding to its allure and collectability. The combination of its mature age, limited production, and unique packaging make the Highland Park Thor Valhalla Collection a must-have for any serious whisky connoisseur. This edition stands as a testament to Highland Park's commitment to producing high-quality, unique, and memorable whiskies.

FAQs

• What is the ABV of the Highland Park Thor Valhalla Collection?

  The ABV (Alcohol by Volume) of the Highland Park Thor Valhalla Collection is 52.1%.

• How many bottles were produced for the Highland Park Thor Valhalla Collection?

  There were 23,000 bottles produced for the Highland Park Thor Valhalla Collection.

• What is unique about the packaging of this whisky?

  The whisky comes in a wooden presentation frame inspired by a Viking longship, making it a distinctive collectible.

• What region does the Highland Park Thor Valhalla Collection come from?

  This whisky hails from the Islands region, specifically from Orkney.

Tasting notes

• Aroma: Sweet honey, fresh fruits, gooseberries, grapefruit, melon, soft oak, redcurrant, pear, red apples, earthy notes, peat smoke, vanilla, ginger, tobacco, barley sugars, banana, peach, slight sea salt.
• Taste: Peat smoke, sweet ginger, vanilla, white pepper, soft tannins, dry oak, mango, blackberries, apricot, peach, marmalade, orange peels, earth tones, star anise, toffee, marzipan, cherry, pear, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, quince jelly, custard, butter, lemon peel, soft lingering smoke.
• Finish: Long, spicy, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, fresh ground black pepper, vanilla, soft bitter tannins, cocoa, grape skins, lingering smoke.
• Overall: The Highland Park Thor Valhalla Collection is a powerful and complex whisky with a harmonious balance of sweet and smoky flavors. Its intricate layers of fruit, spice, and peat make it a rewarding experience for those willing to delve into its depths. The remarkable combination of robust strength and subtle sweetness ensures a memorable tasting journey.

Reviewer's opinion

The Highland Park Thor Valhalla Collection is an impressive whisky that lives up to its mythical inspiration. While some may find the price to be steep, the unique packaging, limited production, and complex flavor profile make it a worthy addition to any collection. The interplay of sweet and smoky notes offers a nuanced tasting experience that evolves with each sip. Overall, it's a captivating whisky that showcases Highland Park's dedication to craftsmanship and tradition.