Highland Park Valkyrie

I have been on vacation the past three weeks and published reviews from a buffer, which explains the fact that I could not write about the latest releases. I’ll try to catch up as soon as possible…

 

Highland Park Valkyrie is the first expression I can try from the rebranded core range. It replaces Highland Park Dark Origins and it’s the first release of a new Viking Legend series which will also include Valknut and Valhalla down the line.

Compared to Dark Origins, Valkyrie uses less first-fill sherry casks and less European oak. On the other hand half of the spirit used was peated, much more than its predecessor. Highland Park says sherry and peat sometimes fight each other, which explains the higher amount of bourbon casks this time. I reckon it’s also simply a matter of availability.

 

 

Highland Park Valkyrie
(45,9%, OB 2017)

Nose: quite rich and sweet, with some ripe fruity notes. Apricots, sweet apples, which give way to light toffee and honey. The classic heathery smoke is noticeable but rather subtle for now. Orange juice and orange zest. Candied ginger, nutmeg and almonds.

Mouth: definitely more smoky and spicy right away. Acrid char, as well as some damp earth, round honey and subtle herbal notes. Peppered chocolate. Vanilla. All-spice and a light saline touch.

Finish: rather long, warming, on peppery oak, ashes and liquorice.

Valkyrie shows more peat and spices than we’re used to from Highland Park. I like the result, although for me this is probably as far as they can go in adding peat without burying the distillery character. Around € 65, making it slightly better value than Dark Origins.

Score: 85/100