The last Highland Park I reviewed was bottled in 1977, this was likely distilled in 1977 or shortly before. This official bottling from the Orkney distillery came out way back in 2007, which somehow feels like just a couple years ago, but was in fact nearly twenty years ago. This was one of the first batches of the 30 Year, which the distillery introduced in 2005. It was a time of change as well, with the distillery shifting away from selling casks with naming rights, leading to the proliferation of post-2006 “Unnamed Orkney” whiskies.

---

Whisky: Highland Park 30 Year, 2007 Release

Country/Region: Scotland/Islands

ABV: 48.1%

Cask: Oak

Age: 30 Years (Bottled 2007)

Notes: Soft smoke and calm seas brought a gentle brine through to a state room of lacquered wood, leather bound books with yellowed pages, and nutmeg oil. A touch of heather and diesel fumes lingered further as the aroma drifted from musty engine room to fine dining. Cured meats and mothballs met with padded leather chairs, concentrated dried fruits, and a fine snuffbox. Light-bodied and oily on the palate, dried fruits, figs, and raisins touched down first with nutmeg oil and woody resins. Cigar lounge smoke, cracked pepper, and maritime brine were all soft and slightly distant as lacquered wood, antique books, vanilla, and prunes developed. The finish was long and slightly savory with cured meats, cracked pepper, sea breezes, and a gust of distant smoke.

---

Score: 8 (88)

Mental Image: Club Room on the Titanic

Conclusion: The presence of some very old sherry casks gave the core components of Highland Park, recognizable even at this age and early vintage, some additional dusty depth. The coal dust, brine, and heather were all there, but with more leather, meat, and dried fruits— it struck me almost like claret at times. Everything was mellow and restrained, with the only punchiness coming from the peppery hug at the end. The whisky felt properly old and slightly old-fashioned, though I kept waiting for some additional structure or depth to emerge— in the right setting this might spill over into the next tier up for me. Overall, tasty if you can get it.