Highland Park 12 Year Old – a whisky from Orkney with its own character
A single malt shaped by a unique environment
Highland Park 12 Year Old is a whisky from the Orkney Islands that reflects the character of an archipelago defined by wind, sea and a cold climate that influences every stage of maturation. At Licorea, we value this style because it combines tradition, balance and a clear identity. Many whisky enthusiasts look to Highland Park for that mix of gentle sweetness, a touch of peat and a profile unlike any other region. Orkney has its own personality, and this single malt expresses it with great clarity.
A distillery deeply rooted in the islands
The history of Highland Park is closely tied to life in Orkney. Its location, exposed to sea currents and cool temperatures for much of the year, means that the whisky matures slowly and steadily. This gradual evolution helps round off each nuance and gives the spirit a balance that appeals both to newcomers and to those seeking a classic reference point. At Licorea, we appreciate this blend of climate, tradition and method because it creates whiskies with a distinctive and recognisable identity.
Ingredients that make a difference
Highland Park 12 Year Old uses malted barley, part of which is traditionally malted on site using local peat and tightly controlled drying. Orkney peat contains plant material that differs greatly from that found in other parts of Scotland. This distinction is reflected in the whisky’s profile. Instead of an aggressive smoke, it offers a gentle touch that adds depth without overpowering. The distillery also pays close attention to fermentation and distillation to preserve the malt’s character. The result is a balanced style appreciated for its clarity and clean feel, without sacrificing depth.
Maturation driven by harmony
The maturation of Highland Park 12 Year Old relies on oak casks previously used for wine, which contribute natural sweetness and fruity notes. Orkney’s cold and stable climate has a major influence on how the whisky evolves. The spirit breathes slowly and gains texture at its own pace. This unhurried maturation helps integrate the peat influence with the sweetness from the casks. At Licorea, we consider this balance one of the reasons Highland Park 12 Year Old is so highly regarded. It offers a clear, recognisable style that remains consistent year after year.
A sensory profile combining sweetness, malt and gentle smoke
Highland Park 12 Year Old displays a warm colour and an aroma of honey, malt and a fine thread of peat. Smooth on the palate and carefully balanced, this whisky retains a fresh character shaped by Orkney’s climate. The smoky touch never dominates— it simply accompanies. This combination is why many of our customers choose it as a staple whisky, whether to enjoy neat or to keep on hand at home. It is a bottle made for unhurried drinking, with a style that is easy to remember.
Highland Park and its cultural ties to Orkney
The islands have a strong Norse heritage reflected in their history. Their culture blends Scottish traditions with Viking influences still present in architecture, stories and everyday life. Highland Park is part of that identity. The distillery conveys this heritage through whiskies that show balance, strength and a character shaped by the northern climate. At Licorea, we believe this connection adds a special value. Drinking Highland Park 12 Year Old is also a way of discovering part of that island culture.
A versatile whisky for different occasions
Highland Park 12 Year Old can be enjoyed neat, with a splash of water or in a wide glass. Its style suits a quiet evening, a slow conversation or a dram after a meal. Many customers see it as a great introduction to whiskies with a smoky touch, while others keep it as a classic that is always pleasing thanks to its balance. It is a bottle appreciated for its consistency and approachable profile without losing character.
Why it stands out in our Orkney whisky selection
At Licorea we offer whiskies from various Scottish regions, but Highland Park 12 Year Old stands out among Orkney whiskies for its balance of malt, sweetness and gentle smoke. It is a reference that combines tradition and continuity. We believe whisky lovers interested in this region will find in Highland Park 12 Year Old a clear expression of what Orkney can offer. Its distinct style and cask evolution provide something new even for those already familiar with Scottish single malts.
A whisky that preserves its essence over time
Highland Park 12 Year Old is an Orkney whisky that has managed to maintain its identity. It offers a balanced combination of sweetness, malt and delicate peat, which sets it apart. At Licorea, we see it as a strong choice for anyone seeking a single malt with real personality and cultural depth linked to the islands. It is a bottle that invites you to explore how climate, tradition and method come together to shape a whisky with a distinctive and memorable style.
