Highland Park Heather: the smoky soul of Orkney
Brace yourself guys! I know it is still early in the new year, but this next bottling might well be a contender for freshest and most impactful new releases in 2026. It fits the scheme that we have seen at other “big name” distilleries/brands like The Macallan and Laphroaig: suddenly releasing products that finally fit the bill. Live up to the name. With Highland Park, we have seen already a return to more of a modest packaging, while the single malt inside the glass speaks volumes. We reviewed the current 12 years old here. On the table today, a dangerously high strength expression nicknamed “Heather”. I had already seen some newsletters announcing the release. A few weeks ago, I was invited to participate in the club tasting night of the Glasgow Whisky Club, held at the Bon Accord. There, this bottle also came on the table, and it blew me away. Back at home, a sample was waiting for me. So here are my unfiltered impressions. By the way, rumour going round during that club night stated that this Highland Park contains around 11 years old single malt. The name is a reference to the Orkney peat, that is significantly different from other peat varieties, as the vegetation on the islands (where no trees grow) has heather in abundance.
Highland Park – Heather, bottled at 63,6 % abv
First things first: Highland Park Heather matured in European and American sherry seasoned oak. Bottled in 2025 but hitting the market since the beginning of 2026.
Upon Sipping: This is indeed triggering the idea of smelling heather, but as if it was dipped in honeyed cream. Then more smoky, leaning towards a peaty tang, but obviously not in an Islay way. Some raisins creep in, caramel, all this with the high strength abv looming like a monster. I do not dare to go deeper, afraid to obliterate my nostrils.
Despite the incredible heat, there is a delightful sherried sweetness on the palate that blows up in a smoky exit when you swallow. The European oak brings the spiciness. This whisky is doing all it promises with the name, the strength and the brand of Highland Park. It is surprisingly drinkable but still, some water is not too much. So, with water, this Highland Park turns more vegetal, with the smoke even more pronounced. On the palate, there is an amazing development into a much more sherried character. Sherry seasoning makes me weary, but this was executed well. Sweet, vegetal, spicy without being wooded, a 50-50 cacao to milk chocolate ratio. I hate to use the word smooth, but a little water really works wonders to the finish. The name might fool us, this is as much a perfect sherried whisky as it is about heather smoke.
Word to the Wise: I love this. The cask makeup has truly created something unique. A more peat forward Highland Park, but not a peat monster. Even the high abv does not seem to be a problem while creating a complex and rewarding dram. Strong contender for newcomer of the year!
Score: 89 points.