Highland Park Valkyrie (45.9% ABV) is a no-age statement bottling, which is said to dial up more smoky notes by incorporating more of their heathery peated malt.
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| Highland Park Valkyrie |
Having once been part of Denmark and Norway, Orkney became the raiding headquarters for Norwegian Vikings in the 8th and 9th century, shaping a unique past for the island.
Magnus Eunson, who founded Highland Park in 1798, was a direct descendent of those first Viking pioneers. Even today, 1 in 3 Orkney islanders bear Scandinavian DNA and share a fierce pride for the rich Nordic ancestry woven into the islands’ traditions and culture.
In partnership with renowned Danish designer Jim Lyngvild, Valkyrie is the first in a series of three Viking Legend releases inspired by rich Viking history and mythology. This latest release will be followed by Valknut in 2018 and Valhalla in 2019.
Valkyrie’s unique one-off design is inspired by two important Nordic sources – a typical Viking pendant from around 300-700AD discovered in Uppland, Sweden and the ancient Hammar Stone of Gotland which details the epic journey of the Valkyries.
Noticeably different from the traditional black and silver Highland Park packaging, the re-imagined design maintains the distillery’s ongoing references to Viking design whilst updating the graphics with a bolder, hand-drawn aesthetic.
Commenting on the launch, Jason Craig, Highland Park Brand Director, said: “We’ve enjoyed delving deeper into Orkney’s history and heritage for the Viking Legend series, culminating in this exciting new collaboration with bona fide 21st century Viking Jim Lyngvild. Jim’s knowledge about Viking history and the Viking way of life is rich in detail.”
Highland Park, has also announced a packaging refresh and rebrand for its core range of single malts, which have been inspired by carvings of serpent like dragons. Its 12 Year Old and 18 Year Old expressions, will now be known as Viking Honour & Viking Pride respectively.
Highland Park Valkyrie, will be available next month from specialist retailers, for a RRP of £55,00.
Posted by Steve Rush