Highland Park is one of Scotland's most characterful single malt Scotch whiskies, shaped as much by its remote island home as by centuries of careful craftsmanship. Produced in Kirkwall on the Orkney Islands - far north of mainland Scotland - the distillery occupies a unique meeting point between Highland richness and island peat influence, resulting in a whisky style celebrated for its balance rather than extremes.
Founded in 1798, Highland Park ranks among the oldest working distilleries in Scotland. Its long history is inseparable from Orkney's rugged climate, sea air, and distinctive peat, which differs notably from the medicinal smoke associated with Islay. Orkney peat is rich in heather rather than dense moss, giving Highland Park a softer, more aromatic smokiness that feels gently woven into the whisky instead of dominating it. This subtle peat character, combined with maturation in sherry seasoned oak casks, forms the signature profile: honeyed sweetness, dried fruit, warm spice, and fragrant smoke in quiet harmony.
Traditional production methods remain central to the distillery's identity. Highland Park continues to practice floor malting for a portion of its barley, hand-turning the grain and drying it over local peat fires - an increasingly rare commitment in modern Scotch whisky. Long, patient maturation in carefully selected casks further deepens complexity, allowing flavors to integrate slowly while preserving the spirit’s natural elegance.
