6 Minutes @ Daryl Haldane

Daryl Haldane, the first ever Global Brand Advocate for Highland Park since Jan 2012 bringing an extensive range of experience from across the hospitality and drinks industry and focuses on driving brand awareness and distribution across the globe and reinforces the ongoing commitment to brand education in key markets. Edinburgh based Haldane brought with him the prestigious and sensational Highland Park Single Malts ranging from 12, 18, 21 and 25 years, along with <THOR> the first coming for Highland Park's stunning Valhalla Collection to Hong Kong to meet the whiskies enthusiasts and spoke to mylifestylenews how this unique whiskey release annually......

I worked with Diageo’s Reserve Brands as a brand ambassador for over four years, specifically focused on cross category training around the UK. This covered a variety of functions from brand education to product development predominantly in the UK before I joined Highland Park's team in January 2012

I was a seasoned bartender and competitive mixologist and understanding of the dynamic trade environment as well as a strong appreciation of bar operations.

My role now with Highland Park is the Global Brand Advocate for Highland Park and focuses on driving brand awareness and distribution across the globe and reinforces the ongoing commitment to brand education in key markets.

Highland Park is Scotland’s most northern whisky distillery established in 1798 on Orkney. For over 200 years, the distillery has combined age old tradition and the very best craftsmanship to achieve perfection.  Its range of 12, 15, 18, 21, 25, 30, 40 and 50 year old single malts is consistently acclaimed by connoisseurs and experts. 

The brand has gained its reputation by giving uncompromising dedication to combining traditional methods of abiding care and attention to produce single malts with solid reverence from around the globe.  

Highland Park manifests their outstanding single malt through top quality craftsmanship, and has therefore inspired passion in whisky enthusiasts everywhere and kept their tradition and commitment in producing the best tasting Scotch based on the five keystone tenets.  

While every Sherry Oak cask contributes to the exceptional richness and multi-dimensional complexity to their whisky, the even-paced process of their Cool Maturation enhances the smooth character of the whisky. 

Finally, Cask Harmonisation ensures consistency and balance in Highland Park Single Malt Scotch whisky.  In addition, it allows filtration to take place at 4°C, which makes certain that maximum mouth feel is retained.

Highland Park has recently added to its family the highly collectible Valhalla Series, with Thor and Loki being the first two Norse gods expressions coming to stage, which build on the connection of the brand with its provenance and Nordic culture.

<THOR> represents the first coming for Highland Park;s stunning Valhalla Collection; a range of four unique whiskies, released annually, taking inspiration from the legendary Nordic gods of old. Not for the faint hearted, only for those brave enough to accept the challenge of <THOR> shall be rewarded with the ultimate experience; a whisky of divine power.

In honour of this great warrior and in celebration of its own unwavering Norse heritage, with a natural strength like its namesake, drawing influence from the environment unique to Orkney and made a truly elemental spirit.

Distilled where sea turns to ocean, this 16 year-old single malt is a meeting point of nature's forces, exuding a dunamic and bold character on the surface, but with an unexpected softer side at its heart.

Hand-turned Malt adds the deliciously luscious, balanced layers of aromatic character, while the Aromatic Peat gives the distinctive and seductive floral smokiness to Highland Park.  

It is bottled at a robust 52.1% ABV, this limited edition whisky comes housed in a unique wooden frame, which echoes the fearsome contours of a traditional Viking long ship.

It is rich in amber colour with an iron ore glow. It is concentrated and forceful with an explosion of aromatic smoker, pungent fresh ginger, antique copper, stew plums and golden syrup.

With water, earthy notes emerge, like a garden after a heavy rain shower, <THOR>'s high strength grabs the palate and refuses to let go.

It is initially dry, with fiery gingerbread then vanilla, blackberries, fresh mango, peach and hints of cinnamon. As its big flavours swirl around the mouth, some softer, sweeter notes develop, giving <THOR> and unexpected layer of complexity and depth.

The finish thunders on, leaving behind lingering notes of sweet vanilla and an intense spiciness.

Highland Park has refined expertise in making outstanding single malts. This exceptional whisky has earned the titles of “Best Spirit in the World” for the third time and was awarded the first ever 100-point score, along with the Chairman’s Trophy for Best of Category across their rich, succulent and complex collection.

Highland Park has won a string of prestigious awards across its portfolio, most recently including category winner at the 2011 World Whisky Awards for its 25-year-old single malt and ‘Best Whisky in the World 2009’ for its 21-year-old expression in the World Whisky Awards, as well as four double gold awards in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2009.

Highland Park 18 year old was named Best Spirit in the World by American drinks expert Paul Pacult in Top 115 Spirits, Spirit Journal 2009 and 2005.