Highland park whisky is one of those whiskies that always manages to bring a smile to those that drink it, those fruity flavours wrapped in that gentle smoke just always manage to hit the right spot !
The distillery of late has been releasing the whisky wrapped within a Norse mythology story, everything from gods to stories of mighty warriors and this release is sitting within its own wonderful legendary world. Valkyrie gets its name from old Norse mythology and is described on the Highland park like this …
“According to the old Norse sagas, for Viking warriors, death was not an end but a glorious beginning. And it began with the Valkyries…
Plunging down from the dark heavens, the Valkyries would descend like avenging angels on horseback to comb the battlefields for the bravest of the fallen warriors, heroes fit to enter the great Norse god Odin’s hall, Valhalla”.
The whisky itself is said to be a little more smokier with a mix of 50%fully peated malt instead of the 1:4 ratio normally used.. Bottled at 45.9% abv ..
Nose.. Smouldering oak greets you with soft toffee notes and toffee apples, chocolate covered raisins, orange peel and plum pudding. Freshly ground coffee leads into gentle spices and soft oak.
Palate.. Certainly more spices and dark fruits initially before the smoke dries the mouth and leaves chocolate and liquorice toffee notes, some fresh fruits come through, burnt almonds covered in Demerara sugar, vanilla and citrus notes.
Finish.. Drying and oaky.
Thoughts.. This certainly carries a touch more smoke and light peaty flavours that just give an extra dimension to the other flavours and aromas.. The smoke although ever present never totally dominates, it feels like it enhances all the other flavours, a little like champagne and strawberries..
A nice release that actually sits in a reasonable price bracket (£55 ish)
Thanks go out to Highland Park For this official sample..
ocdwhisky.com 
Good read.
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Just fabulous, agree with the notes totally
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I just wanted to put my penny’s worth in, I’m not the biggest fan for Highland Park because I think they are releasing too many average bottles but you seeem to have nailed this review perfectly! You keep up the good work. That’s my advice pal.
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Not one of my favourites from Highland Park !
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Hi Brian,
Thanks for the comments..
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Hi to all, I think everyone is enjoying your site and we all get more from your site and your views are good for new viewers.
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I have recently started trying more whiskey, the information you provide on this site has helped me tremendously. Thanks for all of your time & work.
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Thanks Alf.. I think I would possibly choose the Dark origins too, but as it’s on it’s way out then we must also move on..
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I often find Highland park expressions to be hit and miss, although I did enjoy the Valkyrie I was not blown away by it. If you compare it to the Dark origins then I would pick the Dark origins every time.
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Mr ” Anonymous ” idiots like you make my blood boil, if you don’t like what ocdwhisky says then don’t read his reviews. I personally find his notes on smoky and peated whisky pretty spot on ! Like “John” pointed out this seems more like a personal attack
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Just read this review and I am wondering what Mr “anonymous” is waffling on about, I had to laugh at his comments to be honest as your always upfront about not being a fan of the more peated whisky ! And would anyone actually count Highland Park as a big peaty whisky ? I have looked through your blog and did notice there are no actual reviews of the main heavy peated whisky so I assume this is more of a personal attack on you. I have found your reviews to be very consistent with my own thoughts so please continue with your reviews.
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Thanks for your comments.. I have no intention of stopping. I only give my opinions.. Everyone has the choice to read or ignore my thoughts.. I know my opinions are not bought ..
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Seems very childish that someone seems to decry your integrity when you have given an honest review on your thoughts of a whisky.
You’ve written before that you’re not a fan of the heavily peated whiskies, everyone knows that, but surely that doesn’t prevent you from trying less smoky lightly peated whisky???!
The argument from “anonymous” seems childish and immature at that. To “command” you to stop commenting or mention you looking for work in the industry (god only knows why this is relevant?) is odd.
I’ve listened to you speak with passion about whiskies in an open, informative and honest manner. So I reckon you should carry on, ignore the negativity and keep it up!!!!
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Hi..
I’m saddened by your comment.. No as you point out slightly incorrectly, I am not a big fan of heavily peated whisky and I generally try not to review these, as I know my review could be unfair.. But as you know, since we both know why you posted this comment really ! I am very open about not being a fan of the more heavily peated whisky to which this is not… This and all the other reviews on peated whisky are done with honesty and are all less heavily peated drams as you are aware..
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I bought a bottle and I have to say I’m enjoying it tremendously. Thank you for your review.
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Comments removed.
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I like the whisky from Highland park, I think they are possibly my favourite distillery with the 12yo as my best whisky for drinking.
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A great and timely review which was initially read just after taking part in a tasting with lots of smoky flavours. Probably one is like to try at some point too 🙂
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Fascinating review, keep it up.
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