Highland Park Spirit Of The Bear (1L)

Channel the Spirit of the bear (or just enjoy some darn good Whisky).

Situated on the Orkney Islands to the west of Kirkwall, Highland Park is the most northerly distillery in the World. It was founded by Magnus Eunson in the late 18th century, one of many Orcadian smugglers and illicit Whisky producers who rebelled against the heavy excise duties imposed to finance the war with Napoleon. It is said that he used his position as Church Officer to conceal Whisky beneath the church pulpit. The distillery was licensed in 1826 by Robert Borwick, whose son-in-law, the local Exciseman John Robertson, is generally credited with routing out the smugglers. Highland Park is one of the few distilleries to use hard water. Also unusual is the use of traditional floor maltings for germinating the barley, which is then dried over a fire of local aromatic heather peat. This is the source of the heathery smokiness that is characteristic of the Highland Park Whisky.

Back in the day, The Orkney Islands were ruled by Vikings for over 600 years. If you remember one thing about these strong warriors, it’s probably they didn’t shy away from an intense battle. They still needed to gather courage for it, though, and the warriors believed they could channel the Spirit of the great forest bear. Hey, whatever works, right.

Highland Park Spirit Of The Bear is a Single Malt that has more Orkney peated malt than usual. It was aged in a combo of 1st-fill Sherry seasoned European oak, American oak and refill casks. Bottled at 80 proof, this gorgeous bottle channels that Spirit, too. Starting with soft berry fruits, dark chocolate, silky vanilla, and orange zest, this peaty and smoky Whisky releases more flavors of heather honey, rich fruitcake and aromatic peat smoke.