Highland Park – 12 Year Old Saint Magnus (70cl, 55%)

Highland Park – 12 Year Old Saint Magnus is a whisky from Highland Park (Islands). Aged 12 years, bottled at 55% ABV, 70cl. Highland Park remains the most northerly whisky distillery in Scotland, although not by much, as it is little more than a stone’s throw from fellow Orcadian, Scapa. Accounts of the distillery’s genesis vary, and the truth is probably lost to the mists of time, but it is thought that a local farmer named David Robertson founded what we now know as Highland Park distillery in 1798, on the site of an illicit still operated by nefarious smuggler (and former priest) Magnus Eunson. Since its introduction as a single malt in the late 1970s, the distillery has been awarded many plaudits, not least of which came from the late, great whisky writer Michael Jackson, who called it “the greatest all rounder in the world of whisky”. It’s characteristic style coming from the use of Sherry casks, along with an often cited heathery sweetness imparted to the spirit by way of the distinct Orcadian peat used during the malting process. The second release in the series, the former Earl was murdered by his treacherous cousin, Haakon. He was canonised 20 years after his death. Quite a few years later and Highland Park are releasing a range of whiskies in his honour. All for “ a man of extraordinary distinction, tall, with a fine, intelligent look about him” (a description we feel could describe the SWA team too.... !). Please note some wax seals are prone to cracking in varying temperatures and transport conditions, therefore - as stated in our terms and conditions - we do not accept liability should these seals be found to show signs of splitting on delivery. Please examine the images of the bottle.