Highland Park Einar Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1000ml)

Following on from previous releases, such as Thor and the travel retail exclusives of "Leif Eriksson" and "Drakkar", comes a new range of six single malts from H.P. - the Warrior Series. Gerry Tosh, Highland Park's Global Marketing Manager, explains the collection:

“The Warrior Series is a natural progression for Highland Park, both in brand terms and in global travel retail. By continuing the celebration of our rich and distinctive Norse heritage we are able to tell stories which bring the brand and its products to life. To further this evolution, the whisky maker has crafted six individual whiskies which collectively offer drinkers a new style of taste journey, still classically Highland Park from start to finish, but giving them a different and holistic experience.”

Exclusive to the European travel retail market, at least initially, the first three expressions named "Svein", "Harald" and "Einar" have just hit our shelves (they appear to be already sold out in the UK). Reportedly, the range begins with a heavy influence of ex-American oak casks at the lower end, with a higher proportion of ex-European and Spanish oak influence in the more expensive lines.They are all no age statement releases.

Described in the Orkneyinga Saga as ‘a hard and successful fighting man’, Einar became the overall ruler of Orkney, deeply upsetting his younger brother Thorfinn. This bottling exudes many of Einar’s character traits: Driven by a heady mixture of peat smoke and American oak casks, the result is a whisky of bold complexity brought together with the addition of some broody spiciness.

Tasting note: Pale copper with light amber edges. Soft smoke wafts through moderate aromas of bubble gum and caramel fudge. Air contact dries the bouquet adding light cocoa and tea biscuits. Mildly oily with more peat than you expect from this distillery and spicier than the ABV would suggest. Well rounded, with light, fruity vanilla malt followed by shortbread and pepper on the finish. Drinks like a quality blend. 40% Alc./Vol.