Highland Park VALKNUT
46.8% ABV
$80
Website
What the Distiller Says
In partnership with renowned Danish designer Jim Lyngvild, Highland Park VALKNUT is the second in a series of three Viking Legends releases inspired by the rich Viking heritage and mythology of Highland Park’s Orkney Islands home. The first expression, VALKYRIE, was released in mid-2017 to critical acclaim, winning the Ultimate Spirits Challenge’s highest accolade, the Chairman’s Trophy for Best in Category, with a 99/100 score.
Viking sagas tell of the Valkyries, the fierce angels of Norse mythology who combed the battlefields for the bravest fallen warriors. Vikings who met an honorable death were marked out by the symbol of the Valknut and spirited away by the Valkyries to Valhalla to join Odin’s mighty army and prepare for Ragnarok, the battle of the end of the world.
VALKNUT means “knot of those killed in battle” and is represented visually by three interlinked triangles. This symbol is closely associated with the Norse god Odin, who guided the spirits of the dead to Valhalla.
“VALKNUT is a bolder, more intense style of Highland Park with a drier and smokier profile and a higher ABV than VALKYRIE. It has been matured predominantly in American sherry seasoned oak casks with a slightly higher phenolic level compared to VALKYRIE,” says Jason Craig, Highland Park’s Global Brand Director. “We’ve also used a small amount of Orkney-grown tartan barley, which adds to its smokier edge and lingering sweet, spicy finish.”
Nose: Toasted vanilla pods, cracked black pepper, oak shavings, cloves, anise, aromatic smoke
Palate: Sweet, aromatic cloves join forces with tangy hints of anise
Finish: Intensely balanced and bold; leaves a lingering memory of aromatic peat smoke and sweet spices
What Gary Says
Nose: Rich smokey sweetness, dark fruit, vanilla, anise, subtle spice notes beneath wisps of sea air and brine.
Palate: Creamy mouthfeel, sweet with raisins, cloves, almonds and a subtle earthiness.
Finish: Moderately long, drying with smoke and pepper spice.
Comments: Very nice! Balanced, less sherry-forward than Highland Park 12 or 18 yr, but with that sea air/smokiness that I love in their offerings. I find more complexity on the nose than in the palate, but nothing off-putting in either – and both are well balanced. I think fans of Highland Park are unlikely to be disappointed!
Rating: Stands Out
We would like to thank Highland Park and Forte Mare for sending us a sample to review.