Highland Park Thor

Product of: United Kingdom

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A limited release of 23,000 bottles on 30-January 2012, Thor, a 16 year-old single malt, is the first release in Highland Park’s 'Valhalla Collection', consisting of four variants to be released annually, each named after Nordic gods.

Billed as being the “the whisky of the gods” and more overhyped than Tom Cruise’s last move, (Tom is the kind of fervent God fearing sole that might actually worship Thor), the scroll in the last black box said “Celebrate Thorsday with the compliments of the gods” which might have been poignant if it hadn’t arrived on Saturday. Still, the attached press release did proclaim, “This stunning 16 year old single malt is believed to be the first ever designed specifically around an individual’s character.” Fancy. Poor Thor, once a God, now a mere “individual”.

Highland Park Thor comes sat in a wooden frame which is shaped like the front and arse-end of a Viking longship, so least you’ll have some fuel to hand while you sit fireside to enjoy what is a delicious, if a tad overhyped, dram.

Review and Tasting

Sampled on 02/02/2012

Appearance:

Clear, amber yellow with light golden highlights.

Aroma:

Rich, pungent nose with linseed oil soaked newly sawn oak, thick old rubber, a wisp of peat and stewed plums.

Taste:

Muscular, dry, vegetal influenced palate with woody smoky peat backbone, hot ginger spice, vanilla fudge and a hint of old banana and passion fruit.

Aftertaste:

Long, cinnamon spiced smoky finish smoothed by toffee and vanilla.