Highland Park Thor 16 Years old Valhalla Collection 52.1% NV

Professionelle Bewertungen

Serge Valentin (89)

Colour: gold.

Nose: starts rather on red berries and discreet whiffs of rubber bands, before it gets rather more mineral, flinty, quite smoky (rather coal than peat) and then more and more herbal, earthy and spicy. In short, it seems that it’s not one of these lush, rounded and honeyed HPs (although there is a little honey), it reminds me of one of the Ambassador’s Casks but I can’t remember which one… Then more butterscotch, caramel and something slightly metallic. With water: the earthiness stands out and the rubber has vanished, completely. Farmyard, slightly gamy, ham, Havana cigar (very obvious) … It swims very well, the nose really became wonderful with water.

Mouth (neat): quite punchy and rather more ‘classic HP’ now, with quite some honey, toffee, caramel, soft gingerbread (the one with a lot of honey) and a very faint saltiness. Develops more on pepper, ginger, nutmeg and liquorice, with always a discreet smokiness in the background. Creamy mouth feel. With water: once again, water makes wonders, even if a few drying tannins woke up. Perfect hard liquorice. Excellent, did they dump some salmiak into the vatting to make it even more ‘Norse’?

Finish: long, with the liquorice still loud and clear. A little cumin and bitter oranges in the aftertaste.

Comments: this little Viking never stopped improving, from the first sniffs to the aftertaste – and it swims extremely well. Not 90 in my book but certainly 89+++, should I use plusses like Standard & Poor's ;-).

Gal Granov (86)

Nose: we’re in different waters here. Much peatier than the regular OBs. Not as sweet. Zest. Some dough. Damp wood.
Palate: Spicy entry then the earthy peat kicks in. Malty and rather creamy. Big body. Oak. Honey and salty dough. Fruit and smoked ginger.
Finish: smoky and spicy. Ginger.


If we’re dealing with quality, it’s a no brainer. this one is of great quality, well done, and a lovely whisky in all aspects. Clearly it is not similar to the regular line of expressions (18 or 21) which are sweeter woodier, and more sherried in profile, so look elsewhere if you are into that style. If you like whisky, and you come open minded, this one will impress you, no doubt.

Words of Whisky (90)

BOW (88)

A Whisky Fit for the Gods

Highland Park, the renowned distillery from the Orkney Islands, has proudly released the Highland Park Thor 16 Years Old Valhalla Collection. This limited edition single malt Scotch whisky, bottled at a robust 52.1% ABV, pays homage to the mighty Norse god Thor and offers a whisky experience that is truly divine. Join us as we embark on a journey into the captivating world of Highland Park Thor and explore the remarkable qualities of this exceptional expression.

Unleashing the Power of Thor:
Highland Park Thor draws inspiration from the powerful and thunderous persona of the Norse god of thunder. This expression from the Valhalla Collection captures the essence of Thor, transporting whisky enthusiasts to a realm of strength, courage, and magnificence.

An Epic Flavor Adventure:
The Highland Park Thor 16 Years Old Valhalla Collection takes the palate on an epic adventure of flavors. Upon nosing the whisky, one is greeted with bold aromas of ripe fruits, dark chocolate, and aromatic spices, complemented by hints of oak and a subtle smokiness.

The first sip of Thor unveils a symphony of flavors that ignite the senses. Notes of sweet dried fruits, vanilla, warm spices, and toasted oak dance harmoniously on the tongue, creating a rich and complex taste experience. The long and satisfying finish is marked by a delightful balance of sweetness and a touch of lingering smoke.

Craftsmanship and Maturation:
Highland Park is renowned for its craftsmanship, and the Thor Valhalla Collection exemplifies this expertise. The whisky is meticulously crafted using traditional copper pot stills and matured in a carefully selected combination of sherry-seasoned European oak casks, which contribute to the whisky's depth, complexity, and character.

A Collector's Treasure:
The Highland Park Valhalla Collection, including the Thor expression, is a true treasure for whisky enthusiasts and collectors alike. Each bottle is a work of art, beautifully designed to embody the spirit of Thor and the grandeur of Norse mythology. With its limited availability, this collection is a testament to Highland Park's commitment to producing exceptional whiskies that inspire awe and reverence.

Conclusion:
Highland Park Thor 16 Years Old Valhalla Collection is a whisky fit for the gods themselves. It encapsulates the power, richness, and grandeur associated with the Norse