Whisky Focus - Highland Park Leif Eriksson Limited Edition Travel Retail Exclusive

Highland Park Leif Eriksson pays tribute to ancient explorer.

Highland Park has unveiled a unique expression which celebrates the achievement of the first European traveller to reach America over a thousand years ago.

Highland Park Leif Eriksson, a limited edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky exclusive to travel retail, was revealed at the IAADFS Duty Free Show of the Americas last month and will be offered to travellers, collectors and connoisseurs in selected airports across the USA.

After the launch in America the new Highland Park expression will be rolled out in key travel retail outlets worldwide.

Thought to have been born in Iceland circa AD970, the courageous Leif Eriksson set out from the Orkney Islands north of mainland Scotland at the dawn of the 11th century to make the perilous crossing of the North Atlantic and establish settlements in Labrador and Newfoundland, a feat which earned him the nickname ‘Leif the Lucky’.

Orkney had been associated with the Vikings since the 8th century when fearless Norse explorers sailed in magnificent handcrafted oak longboats to colonise the islands.

Highland Park Leif Eriksson is a tribute to the bravery of the early explorer. It owes its distinctive flavour and colour to Orkney’s unique aromatic peat combined with maturation in American oaks casks from both bourbon and sherry.

Gerry Tosh, Head of Brand Education, The Edrington Group: "Highland Park Leif Eriksson brings together our Viking heritage with the adventures of this great heroic traveller to create a distinctly different single malt. For consumers who have tasted our new make spirit, they may note how its character comes through very strongly in this latest expression; honey sweetness from the peat and a delicious maltiness."

Steven Sleigh, Area Director Global Travel Retail, The Edrington Group "The association of this unique American oak cask bottling with Leif Eriksson's extraordinary voyage provides a striking and strongly themed on-shelf presence in Travel Retail. The Highland Park Leif Eriksson Release is a malt of exceptional character and heritage, which will appeal both to shoppers buying for themselves and those looking for a distinctive premium gift."

Highland Park Leif Eriksson is bottled at 40% ABV and will retail at £53 (60 euro).
 

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