Highland Park 18 Years (2006/2024) - Signatory Vintage
An 18-years Highland Park bottled by Signatory Vintage – sounds intriguing, doesn’t it? What makes this release even more exciting is that it’s not another “Secret Orkney,” but a genuine Highland Park, showcasing the distillery’s signature style. On paper, it promises a lot – but does it deliver? Let’s find out.
The panel
Mean 86.5 · spread 3
Value for money 4/5
- Distillery
- Highland Park
- Bottler
- Signatory Vintage
- Type
- Single Malt
- Region
- Orkney
- Country
- Scotland
- Age
- 18 years
- Strength
- 52% ABV
- Character
- spicy
Tasting
Nose
The first sniff unveils a wonderfully complex bouquet: freshly cut grass, sun-dried hay, and a subtle maltiness set the stage. Fruity undertones follow – think a basket of ripe fruits, led by baked apples. There’s a delicate, pleasant smokiness intertwined with a maritime breeze that completes this aromatic symphony.
Palate
The palate keeps the intrigue alive with its distinctive maritime foundation. Ripe apples and a touch of caramel add sweetness, while hay and a slight chalky note provide a grounding earthiness. Despite its 52 % ABV, the whisky feels incredibly smooth and well-rounded – a testament to its exceptional balance.
Finish
The finish is as rewarding as the palate. Notes of candied apples and a hint of honey meet a gentle peatiness. This peat doesn’t overwhelm but rather adds depth and volume, lingering gracefully on the tongue and inviting another sip.
Verdicts
Marcel
A Highland Park that simply delights with its maritime freshness and perfectly integrated peat smoke – the balance between character and drinking pleasure is spot on here. A whisky that captivates both connoisseurs and curious enthusiasts alike with its lively fruit basket and pleasant sweetness. Absolutely recommended for anyone seeking a multi-layered yet approachable single malt.
Sascha
This 18-years Highland Park from Signatory Vintage impresses with its balanced structure and the harmonious integration of its 52% ABV. The complex combination of maritime notes, ripe apples, and subtle peat smoke presents a precise flavor profile with a long-lasting finish. A technically sound whisky that clearly reflects the distillery’s signature while skillfully complementing the independent bottler’s style.
What it is worth
We do not yet hold bottle-level auction results — that sits behind Whisky Hunter’s authenticated feed. What follows is the market for Highland Park as a whole, which sets the weather for this bottling without pricing it.
Latest mean bid £192 across 598 lots · 2024-08