Introduction
I've had Highland Park expressions before, but the 18 Year Old was one I’d somehow missed for years – even though it’s often talked about with a fair amount of respect. When I finally got around to opening this bottle, I went in with measured expectations. I've had my share of older age statements that felt tired or over-oaked, but Highland Park usually leans into balanced complexity. I was hoping this one would live up to the reputation.
Nose
Right from the glass, the nose revealed that familiar Highland Park character – gentle smoke with balance rather than intensity. It opened with dried heather, light sandalwood, and a kind of fig-like richness that reminded me a bit of sherried fruitcake but not overly sweet. A breath of maritime saltiness appears if you let it sit for a while. I also picked up baked orange peel and a smoky maltiness, almost earthy but smooth. Everything felt well integrated without shouting for attention.
Palate
The palate was warm, smooth, and genuinely layered. What impressed me most was how the peat and sherry matured together – not competing but complementing. There’s a firm oak presence here, charred but not bitter, working with notes of dark honey, dried apricot, and a touch of leather. Mid-palate brings a nuttiness—think toasted almonds—before it drifts into more herbal, slightly briny territory. The smoke is present throughout but never dominates; it’s restrained and rounded.
Finish
The finish was long and dry in a satisfying way. The peat lingers gently, offering a fading warmth alongside notes of dark chocolate and cracked black pepper. The final moments held a resinous quality, not unlike pine or cedar, with just a whisper of soot. No real surprises here, but the texture – smooth, slightly oily – stayed with me and tied it all together nicely.
Price and Value
Depending on where you live, the Highland Park 18 Year Old typically lands in the higher premium range. It’s not a casual buy, but for what you get – significant aging, clear attention to balance, and a character that’s both traditional and refined – it does make sense. I’d say it gives fair value if you're someone who genuinely enjoys pulling apart nuance rather than chasing high-octane flavour.
Background
Highland Park distillery sits on Orkney, off the northern coast of Scotland, and its remote location has always been a defining aspect of its style. They source peat locally, which includes more heather than mainland peat, giving their smoke a slightly floral edge. The 18 Year Old is matured mostly in sherry-seasoned oak casks, many of which are first-fill, and this plays a big role in the profile. For those interested, you can read more about the distillery and its methods directly from the Highland Park website.
Final Notes
Would I buy this bottle again? Yes, though probably not as a weekly drinker. It’s one to revisit when I'm in the mood for something steady, mature, and easy to linger over. I think it would appeal to whisky drinkers who've already got some experience, but it’s not too challenging for those newer to peated styles either. One subtle but important question I asked myself was: when would I pour this? I'd say on a quiet evening when you’re not distracted – this isn’t just background whisky. Finally, how does it compare with other Orkney malts or northern distilleries? It holds its own by leaning into restraint and balance; it's not the smokiest or biggest, but it’s well-structured and rewarding in its own right.