A collection created in 1968 by ‘Mr George’ Urquhart, a man considered to be a whisky visionary, the Connoisseurs Choice range has had more than 2,000 bottles added to it over the intervening years, from almost 100 Scottish distilleries! Each bottling in this iconic collection is a small batch expression chosen and created by Gordon & MacPhail’s unique expertise in matching spirit to oak casks, an expertise that’s been passed through the generations.

This particular bottling comes from Orkney distillery Highland Park, and was matured for 17 years in a First Fill Sherry Butt before being bottled at 59.9% abv. On the nose there are fragrant notes of raisins and well as citrus, and nuts. The taste is full of freshly pressed apples and soft fudge, with hints of chilli. With a medium finish, you’ll be left with lingering spice notes well after the first sip.  

Highland Park have unveiled their oldest whisky to date. Aged for an incredible 54 years, this rare and visually striking release is limited to just 225 bottles globally, a nod to the distillery’s 225th anniversary in 2023. Highland Park 54 Year Old showcases a unique harmony of complex flavours between heather honey, rich peat and spiced dried fruit, bottled at a natural strength of 46.9% abv, and free from chill filtration at a beautiful natural autumnal russet colour.

Distilled back in 1968, four refill butts and six refill hogsheads were filled, which were then combined in 2008 and refilled into first fill European sherry butts. The liquid was then finished for 14 years in ex-sherry casks.

The stunning hand-carved oak packaging is inspired by the rugged terrain and cliffs of Yesnaby in Orkney, and the glass decanter designed with textural inspiration from the ancient monoliths at the Ring of Brodgar.

This striking gift pack includes a full size bottle of Highland Park 12 Year Old, the distillery’s signature expression, and a miniature 5cl bottling of Highland Park Cask Strength – for when the occassion calls for something stronger.

Highland Park 12 Year Old reveals rich, well balanced malty tones, with the subtle floral smoke which makes Highland Park such a distinguished single malt whisky. The Cask Strength No.3 bottling, presented at 64.1% abv, has a smokier and peatier flavour profile – with notes of fruit and spice.

This Highland Park single malt is part of the Connoisseurs Choice Series. This expression spent 32 years slumbering in a refill sherry butt before 347 bottles were filled at 51.9% abv.

On the nose, there is orange oil, golden syrup, and nutmeg. The palate has sweet caramel coated apple complemented by a surprising but welcome menthol hint before leading into the spicy medium finish.