Highland Park Earl Magnus Edition ‘1’

Product of: United Kingdom

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Earl Magnus Edition ‘1’ is a fifteen year old malt with the addition of some casks from the early 1990’s. The bottle is presented in a wooden box etched with Highland Park branding and the tale of Earl Magnus.

Launched in December 2009, this limited edition malt takes its name from Earl Magnus, an 11th century Christian who shared the rule of Orkney with his cousin Haakon. Envious at the increasing popularity of his cousin, Haakon had his cousin brutally murdered. After his body was laid to rest legend has it that miracles of healing were experienced by the sick around his tomb. He was later canonised and the magnificent medieval St Magnus cathedral built in his honour. The cathedral stands less than a mile away from the Highland Park distillery in Orkney’s capital of Kirkwall.

The inspiration for this bottle’s design came from one of the vintage bottles in the distiller’s own collection dating from the 19th century, featuring an image of the saint taken from an ancient stained glass window. The bespoke light brown glass bottle by specialist bottle makers Stoelze Flaconnage features flaws, bubbles and an orange peel texture to mimic the look of a 150 year old bottle. This cask strength bottling is sealed with a black wax covered stopper stamped with the Highland Park ‘H’.

Taste: Rose gold appearance with very pale green tinges. A flamed citrus zest, peaty nose with linseed oil notes and rye crisp bread leads to a hot ginger, pepper palate and malty peaty notes. The finish carries an appealing smoky note. Fabulous packaging but slightly disappointing for a limited edition Highland Park. 3.5/5

Review and Tasting

Sampled before 1st May 2011

Appearance:

Rose gold appearance with very pale green tinges.

Aroma:

Flamed citrus zest, peaty nose with linseed oil notes and rye crisp bread.

Taste:

Hot ginger, pepper palate with malty peaty flavours.

Aftertaste:

The finish carries an appealing smoky note. Fabulous packaging, but slightly disappointing for a limited edition Highland Park.