Highland Park Cask Strength No. 5 Single Malt Whiskey 750ml

Highland Park has distilled whisky in Kirkwall, Orkney, since 1798, and the distillery remains known for two practices that set it apart from most of Scotland: malting a portion of its own barley on-site and using local peat cut from Hobbister Moor, which lends its whiskies a distinctive smoky sweetness rather than the heavier, more medicinal peat character found on Islay. Master whisky maker Gordon Motion oversees the distillery's cask program today.

This fifth release in the ongoing Cask Strength series is matured predominantly in first-fill, sherry-seasoned European oak, including Pedro Ximénez casks, supplemented by refill casks, ex-bourbon casks, and a smaller portion of first-fill sherry-seasoned American oak. As with every entry in the series, it is bottled straight from the cask without dilution, at 64.7% ABV, preserving the full intensity of the underlying spirit rather than softening it to a standard proof.

The nose offers dried clove, crushed pine, and sun-dried fruit, with sherried richness from the Pedro Ximénez casks coming through clearly. On the palate, prune, date, and sultana meet liquorice, winter spice, and cocoa nib, while a light oak-driven smokiness runs underneath throughout. The finish is long and warming, closing on sherried fruit, sweet spice, and a trace of peat.