Highland Park Valfather

The end of the Viking Legends series (after Valkyrie and Valknut) is called Highland Park Valfather. It pays homage to Odin himself, the highest of all Norse gods.

The whisky is the peatiest Highland Park around (Odin’s power, you see), fully matured in refill casks.

Highland Park Valfather
(47%, OB 2019)

Nose: fine mineral notes and brine, heathery, almost floral smoke, as well as some bright lemon and yellow apple. Vanilla and nutmeg. Less peaty than expected, some charred wood.

Mouth: sweet apple, vanilla and peat smoke, with a coastal salinity and a mild metallic note. White pepper. A faint alcohol edge. Salted almonds. Hints of bitter orange and juniper.

Finish: medium, with woody dryness, honeyed notes and echoes of smoke.

I wasn’t blown away by Valfather, perhaps because I expected more intensity from an expression explicitly presented as the peatiest. It feels a little young and vague. Available from The Whisky Exchange or Master of Malt for instance.

Score: 83/100