Description
Highland Park 16 Year Wings of the Eagle comes from the far north of Scotland, on the Orkney Islands. Highland Park has made whisky there since 1798. This single malt rested for 16 years before bottling. Its name draws on a Viking tale of an eagle carrying the sun across the sky.
The whisky matured in sherry-seasoned European and American oak casks. Highland Park also uses its own Orkney peat, which holds no wood but plenty of heather. That peat gives the malt a soft, fragrant smoke rather than a medicinal one. The whisky is non-chill filtered and keeps its natural color.
The makers call it spicy and elegant. They say its flavors are layered like the feathers on an eagle’s wing. It also celebrates the wild, windy climate of Orkney. Look for honey and heathery smoke on the nose, with ripe apricot close behind.
On the palate, figs and apricot meet marzipan and warm nutmeg. A thread of chocolate runs through the middle. The finish is medium in length, with dried fruit, chocolate and a last wisp of smoke. It is bottled at 44.5% ABV, so it stays easy to sip.
Pour it neat in a tulip glass and let it breathe for a moment. A drop of water can bring the fruit forward. Try it with smoked duck, grilled lamb or aged cheddar. For dessert, fruitcake or dark chocolate is a fine match. If you enjoy gentle smoke with your sherry fruit, you will like this one.
