Highland Park 1990 Island Single Malt Whisky

Product of: United Kingdom

See more Island single malt whisky

View 5 cocktails with Island single malt Scotch whisky

View product website

According to Highland Park, “A slight increase in the proportion of first-fill European oak sherry casks underlines the balance between sweetness and smoke”. “In essence, this expression is a bridge between 18 year old and 21 year old.”

They went on to tell us the light green tones on the packaging are intended to represent Orkney’s fertile farmland.

One of four ‘vintage edition’ whiskies (1998, 1994, 1990 and 1973) Highland Park released in April 2010 aimed at the travel retail/duty free market. The differences between the vintages lie in the extent to which first-fill or refill European and American sherry oak casks have been used.

The design on the front of the oak gift box draws on Orkney’s Norse heritage and complex woodcarvings in the characteristic ‘gripping beast’ style seen on the Oseberg ship, the oldest and most beautiful vessel of the Viking age.

Review and Tasting

Sampled on 16/06/2010

Appearance:

Golden with coppery tones.

Aroma:

Nose of newbuck leather with orange zest, honeycomb and green pine tree after rain, nutmeg with a touch of cloves and hints of quince and cumquat fruit.

Taste:

Lightly smoked, spicy, citrussy palate with fresh buttered pastry and a sweet heather honey notes.

Aftertaste:

Smoky, sappy wood finish.