Years ago, I recall enjoying Highland Park Scotch, but for some inexplicable reason, I gradually lost interest in it. I can’t quite remember why, though. Then, about four years ago, my parents were returning from an international vacation and, knowing my love for Scotch, they thoughtfully picked up a bottle of Highland Park 16 Year Old, now famously known as “Wings of the Eagle”—I’ll explain the naming shortly—at duty free. I was absolutely delighted with this gift, especially since I knew the bottle retailed for about $150-$200 overseas, and was nearly impossible to find in the USA for under $250!

Eager to try it, I poured the whisky at a Shabbat meal with friends that weekend, and the reaction was nothing short of remarkable. The reviews around the table were overwhelmingly positive, and I was pleasantly surprised by how well it lived up to the hype. I still have a quarter of that bottle left, as I reserve it for special occasions only—it’s that exceptional. This experience reignited my passion for Highland Park, and I quickly found myself falling back into the rabbit hole of its unique offerings. Looking back, I can only regret ever stepping away from it in the first place.

Highland Park is a distillery with deep roots that stretch back to 1798, making it one of the oldest operational whisky producers in Scotland. Located on the remote Orkney Islands, this distillery has always held a special place in the world of Scotch whisky, blending tradition, craftsmanship and a unique terroir into each bottle. Highland Park 18 Year Old, part of the core range, is a true testament to the distillery’s expertise, combining rich history with remarkable quality.

Founded in 1798 by Magnus Eunson, a man with both Viking heritage and a reputation for smuggling whisky, Highland Park’s history is steeped in intrigue and resilience. The Orkney Islands, positioned off the northeastern coast of Scotland, have always been a culturally rich region, heavily influenced by Viking ancestry. This heritage continues to be a defining feature of the distillery’s identity today, as Highland Park embraces its roots in both branding and the ethos of its whisky making. In 2017, the distillery even rebranded its core range to highlight this heritage, renaming the 18-year-old to “Viking Pride,” part of a larger narrative about the island’s Viking past. As well, the 10 year old became “Viking Scars,” the landmark 12 year old became “Viking Honour, and the 15 year old became “Viking Heart.”

The Viking influence is not just a marketing gimmick—it’s a connection to the island’s history that deeply influences the whisky itself. From the bottling design, which features imagery inspired by the Viking carvings of the Urnes Stave Church, to the liquid in the bottle, there’s a clear reverence for the past.

One of the hallmarks of Highland Park whisky is its use of peat, but it’s not just any peat. The peat used in Highland Park’s production is softer than the intense, medicinal peat often associated with Islay whiskies such as Ardbeg and Laphroaig. This is due to the unique geography of Orkney, where there are few trees. Instead, the peat here is made up primarily of decomposed mosses rather than wood, giving the whisky a more subtle, nuanced smokiness.

This peat profile is one of the reasons why Highland Park’s whiskies, particularly the 18-year-old, are often described as “peat lite.” While the smoke is present, it doesn’t dominate the flavor profile as much as it might in other peated whiskies. The result is a whisky that retains the earthy richness and complexity of peat but in a gentler form that appeals to a wider range of palates.

The Highland Park 18 Year Old, or “Viking Pride,” is a whisky that exemplifies the distillery’s commitment to quality and tradition. It is matured predominantly in first-fill seasoned European and American oak casks, which impart a deep richness and complexity to the spirit. The aging process, lasting at least 18 years, allows the whisky to develop a perfect balance of sweetness, spice and smoke.

At 43% ABV, Highland Park 18 Year Old is smooth and refined, with a wonderful depth of flavor with subtle spices and a gentle smokiness that leaves a lasting impression. One of the reasons Highland Park 18 Year Old has such widespread appeal is its ability to cater to both connoisseurs and casual whisky drinkers. For those who enjoy a more traditional whisky, this dram offers richness and complexity. For those drawn to peated whiskies, the Highland Park 18 provides a more approachable, balanced experience. It’s neither too smoky nor too sweet, making it a fantastic whisky to sip and savor at any occasion.

Highland Park 18 Year Old is a whisky that embodies the best of Orkney’s traditions, from its history of Viking influence to its unique approach to whisky making. With its gentle peat, rich cask maturation and carefully balanced flavors, it stands out as one of the finest expressions of Scotch whisky available today. Whether you’re a seasoned whisky enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of single malts, Highland Park 18 offers a drink that is as rich in history as it is in flavor. For those who appreciate a refined, balanced, and slightly smoky whisky with a story behind it, this 18 Year Old is an experience not to be missed.

Nose:

Upon the first whiff, it reveals a symphony of rich, deep and indulgent aromas. Initially, dark chocolate, golden syrup and treacle make their presence known, followed by an unfolding wave of fruity notes. Plump, juicy raisins and tropical papaya add a luscious sweetness, while the delicate freshness of red fruits like strawberries and raspberries emerges, complemented by a subtle hint of cherries.

Palate:

On the palate, the experience begins with a rush of candied orange and honey-soaked apricots, setting the tone with a sweet, fruity and buttery character. With each successive sip, layers of stewed orchard fruits begin to emerge, deepening the complexity. A faint trace of the chocolate note from the nose reappears, intertwining seamlessly with the honeyed sweetness to evoke memories of a Cadbury’s Crunchie bar.

Finish:

This is where the whisky truly comes into its own, as the oak spice and the influence of the alcohol strength gain prominence. What started as a subtle undertone on the nose intensifies with each passing moment, with the baking spices growing in power and adding a final crescendo of warmth as the liquid slips down. The result is a finish that lingers beautifully, leaving a gentle heat and an aftertaste that keeps you coming back for more.

Final Thoughts:

To call Highland Park 18 Year Old “delicious” is an understatement, though I would be remiss not to offer more context. In recent years, comparisons have surfaced between the current 18-year-old release and earlier bottles, with some critics suggesting that this version lacks the “heft” of its predecessors. While I can only recall my fond memories of the older style, I can confidently say that this new release is still an outstanding whisky in its own right. For those who have never experienced the older bottling, this version stands tall as a refined and complex dram that showcases the depth and character that Highland Park is known for.

The question of value is one that often arises with age-statement whiskies, especially when there are alternatives available at a lower price point. At around $150, the 18 Year Old certainly falls on the higher end of the spectrum, though it is still competitive with other 18-year-olds, particularly those from well-established distilleries.

Highland Park 18 Year Old is a whisky steeped in tradition, and the emotional connections it elicits can’t be quantified in terms of mere value for money. It’s a whisky that evokes personal memories, transporting me back to the first moments when I truly discovered my passion for whisky. While this personal attachment may skew my perspective, I remain confident that this is a classic of the genre—one that anyone with a discerning palate can appreciate.

Whether or not the Viking-themed packaging resonates with all whisky drinkers, the liquid inside the bottle speaks for itself. This expression is an elegant, well-crafted, and undeniably delicious single malt that embodies the heart of Highland Park. In my humble opinion, this is a whisky that deserves to be savored and proudly celebrated, making it a “Viking Pride” worthy of anyone’s collection.

The Viking heritage of Highland Park also resonates with Jewish values of resilience and pride, reminding me of the importance of holding on to heritage and tradition. While whisky may not be central to Jewish rituals, it has become a cherished part of special occasions, a way to savor life’s blessings with those who matter most.