Highland Park 12 Year Old Viking Honour

Highland Park 12 Viking Honour occupies one of the most interesting positions in Scotch whisky: it's the bridge between the smoky intensity of Islay and the sweet richness of Speyside. Produced on Orkney—Scotland's northernmost whisky-producing island—Highland Park uses floor-malted barley dried over locally cut peat, then matures primarily in sherry-seasoned European and American oak casks. The result is a whisky that belongs to no single style, and is richer for it.

The nose is beautifully balanced: heather honey, dried fruit, and a gentle, floral peat create an opening that's inviting rather than aggressive. There's orange peel, marzipan, and a warming spice that signals the sherry-cask influence. The peat here is nothing like Islay's maritime smoke—it's sweeter, more floral, more integrated.

On the palate, Highland Park 12 delivers honey, heather, and a subtle peat smoke that weaves through dried fruit, cinnamon, and gentle oak. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied and smooth at 43% ABV, with a warmth that comes from the balanced interplay of peat and sherry rather than raw alcohol. It's a remarkably well-integrated whisky for its age.

The finish is medium-long with honey, subtle smoke, and spice that fades into a clean, warming close. It's the kind of finish that satisfies without demanding attention—the hallmark of excellent balance.

At approximately $45, Highland Park 12 is a tremendous value. It's the Scotch we recommend when someone says "I want something with a little smoke but not too much"—a request more common than any distillery's marketing department would admit. If you only keep one Scotch in your cabinet, this is a compelling argument.