Highland Park was built by David Robertson all the way back in 1798. The distillery's relationship with blenders, Robertson & Baxter, saw it acquired by Highland Distillers in 1937, who were subsequently bought by Edrington in 1999, who run it today. The modern Highland Park single malt brand was first officially bottled in the 1970s, with the release of an 8 year old age statement, but distillery bottlings first appeared around the 1950s. The look of the brand has changed many times over the years, but its cult following and popularity has never diminished. It remains one of the most recognisable single malts in the world to this day.
Highland Park created this fine whisky to celebrate the single-minded spirit of adventure, the innate connection between land and sea, and the curiosity that shapes our world, as epitomised by Orkney-born explorer, John Rae. Today regarded as the leading authority on Arctic travel and survival in the Victorian age, John grew up in these islands, perhaps defined by Orkney’s unforgiving terrain, tempestuous seas and wild weather, to become the man who would map over 1,750 miles of uncharted Arctic coast on foot or alone in a small boat.
In 2019, Gordon Motion, Master Whisky Maker at Highland Park selected predominantly ex-bourbon casks and refill casks, along with smaller quantities of sherry seasoned American and European oak casks, to create a bold and complex flavour profile. He married the casks together, leaving the whisky to mature for a further two years to deliver A Wild Harmony of toasted vanilla, caramelised grapefruit and honeyed peat smoke flavours.
Naturally golden, clear and bright in colour, John Rae Arctic Explorer opens with enticing aromas of heather honey, sweet flowering currant and just a suggestion of charred driftwood in the background. Delicious notes of whipped vanilla cream and toffee sponge cake owe much to the influence of the ex-bourbon casks, while fruitier notes of caramelised grapefruit and citrus zest are driven by the sherry seasoned casks. A sweet breath of aromatic peat smoke lingers at the end.
This whisky’s distinctive packaging was designed with specially commissioned illustrations from Nick Hayes, whose expressive work is influenced by his passion for harmony with land and sea.
This bottle is from a private seller & is not eligible for a Vat receipt.