.highland park - harald

40% abv, €75, single malt

Nose: slight smoke, sweet, vanilla, young, red fruit, red berries, caramel, mussels, nougat, brine, seaweed
Palate: sweet, sugar, vanilla, gentle, spices, floral, "dark" flowers, hazelnuts, peanuts
Finish: medium long, spicy, white pepper, gingerbread, oranges, hint of fresh ginger
Mark: +++/++


Conclusion: this is OK, albeit a bit steep on the price, and therefore I would probably leave it on the shelves if I would stumble upon it.

More info: Produced using both American & European oak casks, Harald 50-50 first fill and refill, .almost 50-50 euro and American oak sherries.

Harald was an important character in the founding of the Orkney earldom, as well as having a major role in the development of Viking history. King of Norway, Harald Fairhair was one of the greatest of the ninth century Scandinavian warrior chiefs. Considered, intelligent and undoubtedly regal, this whisky shows not only an inner balance but also an assertive oaky side, combining a generous proportion of both American and highly prized European oak casks.

Celebrated through this release, King Harald was famed for his army, which was revered across the world at that time. The most feared of his troops were known as 'berserkers'. Described as intrepid heroes, they carried bloody shields used for hacking through their enemies. Such was the importance of the shield in growing King Harald’s global influence that it adorns the packaging.

According to Highland Park's global brand ambassador Daryl Haldane, Harald is "bang on a typical HP in my mind... sweetness and smoke working together".

Third expression of the 2013 Highland Park Travel Retail exclusive Warrior series.