Highland Park Fire Edition completes a two-part series of special edition bottlings that celebrate myths and legends of the Viking age and follows the launch of Highland Park Ice Edition in March last year. I had the chance to receive a sample a few weeks ago, so let’s have a closer look at this highly-awaited expression!
It is the first single malt whisky from Edrington-owned Highland Park completely matured in refill Port wine seasoned casks.
“Maturing our distinctive whisky in 100% refill Port wine seasoned casks is a first for Highland Park and the result is a vibrant 15-year-old single malt with an abv of 45.2%,” said Jason R. Craig, brand director for Highland Park.
“Fire Edition has a slight reddish hue, (which is its natural colour), intense aromas of ruby red fruits, light smoke and a long, lingering finish. However, it is still, unmistakeably, Highland Park.”
The whisky is bottled in crimson red glass, representing the “molten world” of the Fire Giants from Viking mythology, and also features a black wooden cradle and stopper.
Legend has it that the evil Surtr led his fellow Fire Giants into an apocalyptic battle with the gods, burning everything in sight. The world perished in the blaze, but a new earth was recreated from the ashes.
A total of 28,000 bottles of Highland Park Fire Edition were released at the end of November.
The whisky is available in more than 15 markets globally at an RRP of £190.
Nose: frank, sweet and vanillic with dark chocolate truffles, cereals, prunes & red fruits, raw coffee grounds, cassia bark but also some more delicate floral notes. I pick up a slightly briny hint and a soft underlying smokiness but nothing realling saying “FIIIIRE” straight away.
Palate: “Come on baby light my fire…” – the palate is richer and more complex, finally keeping its promises with charred oak & hot spices, now we can say the fire has been lit! After a few seconds swirling the liquid in my mouth, citrusy notes also make an appearance, followed by notes of cherry, forest berries, ginger, cloves, bay leaf and pink pepper.
Finish: devilishly long with more spices & an acidulous yummy fruitiness
Pssst! Find The Recipe Here!
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