In the case of Highland Park, which was established in 1798, it would be fair to assume that the distillery was one of the very first to be licensed by the authorities. It doesn’t of course mean that the distillery wasn't previously distilling before that date and the legend here is rather than ‘stating established in’, the rather humorous phrase ‘got caught’ is probably closer to the truth.

Either way, the distillery, one of only two in the Orkney Isles (along with Scapa), legendarily associated with the illicit Orcadian distilling figure, Magnus Eunson, has long been long regarded as one of the finest examples of coastal single malts with a genuine character like no other.

From its blustery home in Kirkwall, the distillery still utilises a small traditional floor malting set up to supplement its production and the peat is cut from Hobbister Moor, where due to the unforgiving weather conditions, no trees grow, meaning the peat has taken on a distinct floral character from the low lying plants and heather.

As a whisky, Highland Park is rich and honeyed, with a delicate-yet-dry smoky fragrance. A characterful and highly distinctive malt which is utterly adored by the global whisky community.