A.D. Rattray Cask Orkney 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

"A beautiful and satisfying malt on a great many levels." 94 points. - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2021

Yet again the quality of Highland Park's distillate is demonstrated, with no sherry needed in support. The succulence of recent cask strength equivalents is almost matched in this 46% bottling, only delivered in a more silky, elegant fashion. As usual, honey-drizzled malt is the aromatic keynote, balanced by citrus blossom, spiced pears and a twang of peel freshness. It comes together beautifully on the palate, with just the right degree of spice to firm up the honeyed middle, while the way in which beeswax teases and weaves through the crisp, salt and pepper finish is almost magical - and possibly unique to this distillery. Puffs of chimney soot complete the picture, extending the length and leaving you with an indelible sense of 'Orkneyness'. An obvious bargain in its category, Rattray may or may not be able to maintain this exceptional age / price ratio in future bottlings - possibly why it's the only one in the 'Cask Series' labelled as a limited edition. Grab it while you can. Drawn from ex-bourbon barrels and bottled at 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

Other reviews… Acacia honey and marmalade topping on a very malty field. Holds its age sublimely... Exceptionally clean on both delivery and follow through... Incredibly long spice fade with sharp barley hanging on to its coat tails. The most gentle smoke makes a late yet courteous entry. Beautiful and satisfying malt on a great many levels. 94 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2021

...A single malt. Indeed, in theory, this could as well be the much lighter Scapa. What’s reassuring is that this was ‘Created to celebrate the Neolithic folklore of Orkney’. Are they this old-fashioned up there? Colour: white wine. Nose: a fresher style again, closer to the wash and to the earth, with these medicinal touches again, clay and chalk, beach sand, seaweed, grass smoke, roots (gentian!) and lemon peel. I don’t know any whisky enthusiast who wouldn’t like this. Not this humble taster, for sure. Mouth: this is very smart. Perfect coastal/grassy smokiness, some bitter herbs, lemon peel, fresh walnuts, and once again hints of artichoke. A lot of bitter citrus too, and even a wee touch of sea salt. Very good. Finish: quite long, salty and grassy, with more fresh walnuts. Comments: I’m sorry but it’s the Viking Pride, only with rather less cask influence. And I don’t think it’s very expensive (no it’s not) But could it be Scapa? Nah, it ought to be the other one… 88 points. - Serge Valentin, whiskyfun.com

"This is rather impeccable and very good value for money. A perfect every drinker..." - whiskynotes.com

Gold Medal - San Francisco World Spirits Competition