A SIP IN THE PARK
Highland Park 30-Year Single Malt Whisky
by Nancy Huang

Whisky lovers will appreciate this 30-year-old single malt by Highland Park, a distillery located in the cold and unforgiving Orkney Islands north of mainland Scotland. This spirit pulls back no punches in taste. The malt, which is coppery-amber in color, has distinct notes of spicy nutmeg and dark chocolate that's enhanced by flavors of toffee and orange. There is also a hint of Hobbister Hill peat—a result of Highland Park’s kiln-drying methods, which uses the fresh and “young” peat from a nearby moor on the island. The finish is long but surprisingly sweet.

According to Gerry Tosh, the global brand ambassador for Highland Park, “This whisky proves that 30 years of maturation results in an entirely new expression...that is unique in flavor while maintaining the brand’s distinctive character.” Highland Park, which has used traditional floor-malting methods since 1798, is already known for its 12-, 18- and 25-year-old malts, many of which have won numerous wine and spirit awards. In addition, the company has just released a 15 Years Old whisky, which will be widely available in March 2006.

Price:
30 Year Old, $350
15 Year Old, $60
For more information, visit www.highlandpark.co.uk.

(Updated: 03/01/06)