Highland Park 2008/2026 - 17 Year Old - Bourbon Barrel - Murray McDavid

Profile: Highland Park 2008/2026 - 17 Years - Bourbon Barrel - Murray McDavid at a glance

• Origin from Scotland: This single malt comes from the Highland Park distillery on the Orkney Islands and combines island character with classic Scottish whisky tradition.
• Ex-Bourbon maturation: 17 years in a bourbon barrel bring out clean fruit, subtle vanilla notes and a well-balanced oak influence.
• Bottled by Murray McDavid: The independent bottler is known for carefully selected casks and a focus on the whisky’s individual style.
• Natural presentation: Bottled without colouring and at 54.10% ABV, the whisky is shown in an unaltered and powerful form.

Portrait: What defines Highland Park 2008/2026 - 17 Years - Bourbon Barrel - Murray McDavid

Highland Park is one of the most recognisable single malts from Scotland’s islands, known for its distinctive mix of spice, gentle smoke and maritime character. In this bottling by Murray McDavid, however, it appears particularly clear and approachable: maturation in a bourbon barrel puts the emphasis on fruit, vanilla and a clean cask structure without masking the distillery’s signature style.

Distilled in 2008 and bottled in 2026, this whisky was given 17 years to mature at its own pace. The result is a single malt Scotch whisky that does not aim to be loud, but instead convinces through balance and depth. This combination of island origin, extended cask ageing and the careful selection by Murray McDavid makes it an intriguing release for whisky lovers who value authenticity and maturity.

With no added colouring and a robust strength of 54.10% ABV, it also offers enough substance to open up further in the glass, either with time or a splash of water. In that way, it becomes a layered whisky experience that reflects both its origin and the bottler’s signature.

Tasting Notes: How Highland Park 2008/2026 - 17 Years - Bourbon Barrel - Murray McDavid tastes

• Aroma: The nose opens with ripe pear, yellow stone fruit and gentle vanilla sweetness, supported by a subtle hint of smoke.
• Palate: On the palate the whisky feels fruit-driven and bright, with apple, soft spice and a pleasantly integrated touch of smoke.
• Finish: The finish is medium to long, with oily malt, nutmeg and a soft floral peat note.