Highland Park – Valkyrie (70cl, 45.9%)

Highland Park Valkyrie is a single malt in a 70cl bottle at 45.9% ABV, and the first of three Viking-themed releases. The series was created with the Danish designer Jim Lyngvild, who drew on Viking-age picture stones from Gotland and Uppland for the design. Valknut and Valhalla follow in 2018 and 2019. It was made by Master Whisky Maker Gordon Motion with more malt dried with peat and heather, which brings a smokier, more phenolic character. The whisky matured in ex-sherry casks of European and American oak and in ex-bourbon casks. The colour is a bright natural amber. The nose is of green apples and ripening lemons, while the palate brings oriental spices, creamy vanilla, candied ginger, gentle smoke and a touch of liquorice.