Whisky Focus - Highland Park Drakkar

Heinemann stages exclusive launch of Highland Park Drakkar.

The Viking heritage of the Orkney Islands has inspired the latest Highland Park expression launched this week exclusively in the airport retail outlets operated by Gebr Heinemann.

The Drakkar is the best known of the spectacular longships used by the Vikings as vessels of war. Created for kings and adorned with fearsome figureheads, they were symbols of great Scandinavian power and highly valued by their owners.

Rich amber in colour, Highland Park Drakkar is a wonderfully warm and honeyed single malt whisky which has acquired much of its flavour from the casks in which it has lain and the sweet smoke from the peat of Orkney, its island home, which permeated the drying grain.

"Heinemann is delighted to be the first retailer to unveil Highland Park Drakkar", says Rüdiger Stelkens, Director Purchase Liquor, Tobacco & Confectionery at Gebr. Heinemann. "We are keen to support brands whose innovative products add a new dimension to their premium lines and bring excitement to the travel retail environment in general."

According to Glen Williams, Managing Director, Maxxium Travel Retail, "Highland Park is an exceptional single malt that has established itself as a strong brand in travel retail. The introduction of Highland Park Drakkar as another exclusive product for travel retail acknowledges this strength. The distinctive design profile of Highland Park Drakkar, which harks back to intrepid Viking adventurers, will mark it out on the shelf as something new for the brand."

On the nose Highland Park Drakkar (40% ABV) offers notes of dried fruits with a cherry blossom accent. Pine nuts arrive first before an orange citrus kick, then the classic wisps of heather smoke drifts through. On the palate orchard fruits come to the front with cherry and orange being the most prominent. The finish is long and lingering, perfectly balanced.

Highland Park Drakkar is available only in selected outlets and is exclusive to travel retail.

Highland Park Drakkar one litre will be presented at a recommended price of €39.99/£34.50.
 

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