A Chicago WhiskyFest exclusive

Highland Park debuts its first-ever 30 year old Single Malt on Chicago’s Lake Michigan

In 1975, the whisky makers at the world’s northernmost distillery Highland Park in Scotland’s Orkney Islands, followed the centuries-old traditions of floor-malting barley, kiln drying it over the peat cut from nearby Hobbister Hill, and ultimately filling casks with new spirit. While some of that spirit went on to become Highland Park’s award-winning 12, 18 and 25 Year Old single malts, a select quantity now makes its debut as Highland Park’s first-ever 30 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, arriving in fine wine and spirit stores nationwide in June 2005, just in time for Father’s Day.

“A lot has changed over the past 30 years, but one thing that remains the same is the dedication Highland Park whisky makers have to their craft,” says Gerry Tosh, global brand ambassador for Highland Park. “This whisky proves that 30 years of maturation results in an entirely new expression of Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky that is unique in flavor while maintaining the brand’s distinctive character.”

Tasting Notes for the 30 Year Old Highland Park Single Malt:

Color: Rich, coppery, amber
Nose: Spicy, aromatic, nutmeg and darkest chocolate
Taste: Force 9 flavor, toffee, dark chocolate orange,
and Hobbister Hill peat
Finish: Rich, long, smokey and surprisingly sweet

“The time has finally come to unleash the secret that Highland Park has been keeping for the past 30 years,” says Mark A. Izatt, single malt brand manager, Remy Amerique, Inc., exclusive U.S. importer of Highland Park. “This is just one of the exciting things to look forward to from this distinctive distillery.”

Established in 1798, Highland Park produces whiskies that owe their distinctive characteristics to the Orkney’s uncompromising environment, complete with windswept moors, craggy outcrops, crushing waves and freezing hail. Highland Park 30 Year Old retails for $349.95 for a 750ml bottle.