Highland Park Voyage of the Raven Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Orkney, Scotland
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillation & Maturation: Matured in First Fill Sherry Casks, contributing to its dark color. The exact distillation process isn't detailed, but the significant influence of sherry casks is emphasized.
Age Statement: No specific age statement, but estimated to be around 9 to 12 years based on flavor profile.
Appearance: Dark color, uncolored by artificial means, indicating natural maturation influences. The bottle design features Viking imagery, including a raven, symbolizing navigation and the presence of the god Odin, reflecting the Viking heritage of Orkney.
ABV: 41.3%

Nose: Aromatic smokiness, hints of vanilla, and lighter sherry notes.
Palate: Rich, dark, and spicy with a notable presence of cinnamon and nutmeg, suggesting a Christmas cake profile. Minimal smokiness (3-5 ppm), with a slight increase in smokiness in the mouth. The spiciness is intense but not sharp, with a hint of ginger sharpness after a few seconds.
Finish: The finish emphasizes the spiciness and ginger notes, with the lighter sherry notes from the nose receding.

The name and bottle design pay homage to the Viking heritage of Orkney, with references to ravens as navigators and symbols of the god Odin. This reflects a shift from Scottish to Viking cultural influences in Highland Park's branding.
Highland Park is one of the oldest distilleries, with the bottle and cork design elements (such as the "1798" on the cork) highlighting its long history.

Orkney's history as part of the Viking realm and its later integration into Scotland is a key aspect of the whisky's identity. The transition from Scottish tartan to Viking themes in Highland Park's branding underscores the unique cultural and historical context of Orkney within the Scotch whisky world.

Horst Luening describes the whisky as having a "rich, dark, and spicy" flavor profile with "aromatic smokiness," emphasizing the minimal but present smokiness and the significant influence of sherry cask maturation.
The estimated age of 9 to 12 years, despite the lack of an age statement, is based on the whisky's flavor characteristics.

Highland Park Voyage of the Raven is a single malt Scotch whisky from Orkney, matured in First Fill Sherry Casks, with an estimated age of 9 to 12 years.
The whisky features a dark color, Viking-themed bottle design, and a flavor profile rich in spices, minimal smokiness, and sherry cask influences.
The cultural and historical significance of Orkney's Viking heritage is central to the whisky's identity and storytelling.
Expert opinions highlight the whisky's unique flavor profile and the craftsmanship behind its production.

For Whisky Enthusiasts: Those interested in the influence of sherry cask maturation and the subtle use of peat will find this whisky intriguing.
For History and Culture Buffs: Individuals fascinated by Viking history and the cultural heritage of Orkney will appreciate the storytelling aspects.
For Beginners: The minimal smokiness and rich, spicy profile make it an accessible choice for those new to Scotch whisky, especially those who might be wary of heavily peated options.