Highland Park Cask of the Forest 13 Year Single Malt Scotch
Highland Park Cask of the Forest 13 Year Old is a single malt Scotch whisky from the renowned Orkney distillery, bottled at cask strength 63.9% ABV from a single first-fill European oak sherry butt. This exceptional expression represents one of only 580 bottles from cask number 1994, distilled in 2006 and carefully matured for thirteen years before bottling in 2019.
From the windswept Orkney Islands, Highland Park has maintained its reputation as one of Scotland's most balanced single malt producers since 1798. This Single Cask Series bottling showcases the distillery's mastery of sherry cask maturation, where the marriage of Highland Park's distinctive honeyed spirit with premium European oak creates extraordinary complexity. The "Cask of the Forest" designation celebrates the profound influence of carefully selected oak, sourced from ancient European forests.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Rich Christmas cake, dark chocolate, orange marmalade, toasted almonds, dried figs
- Palate: Full-bodied sherry influence, honeyed malt, cinnamon spice, leather, raisins, warming oak tannins
- Finish: Long and warming with lingering dark fruit, espresso, gentle smoke, polished oak
Product Details
| Spirit Type | Single Malt Scotch Whisky |
|---|---|
| ABV | 63.9% (127.8 Proof) |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Age Statement | 13 Years |
| Release Year | 2019 |
| Distillery | Highland Park |
| Region | Orkney Islands, Scotland |
| Barrel Type | First Fill European Oak Sherry Butt |
| Cask Number | 1994 |
| Bottles Produced | 580 |
Perfect For
- Serious collectors: Ultra-limited single cask bottling from Highland Park's prestigious series
- Sherry cask enthusiasts: Exceptional first-fill European oak maturation showcasing rich fruit and spice
- Special occasions: Cask strength complexity perfect for milestone celebrations and gifting
- Whisky appreciation: Educational tasting demonstrating Highland Park's signature balance at full proof
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Highland Park Cask of the Forest 13 Year taste like?
This whisky delivers rich sherry influence with Christmas cake, dark chocolate, and honeyed malt on the palate, balanced by Highland Park's signature gentle smoke. The first-fill European oak sherry butt creates intense fruit and spice complexity, with leather and warming oak tannins leading to a long, satisfying finish.
Should I add water to this cask strength Highland Park?
At 63.9% ABV, this whisky benefits from careful dilution to unlock its full flavor profile. Start with a few drops of water and taste gradually - the high proof initially delivers intense sherry richness, but water reveals Highland Park's underlying honeyed character and gentle Orkney smoke.
How rare is this Highland Park Single Cask bottling?
This is extremely rare, limited to only 580 bottles from a single cask numbered 1994. As part of Highland Park's Single Cask Series and obtained from a private collection, it represents a unique snapshot of the distillery's 2006 production, making it highly sought after by collectors and Highland Park enthusiasts.
Is Highland Park Cask of the Forest worth the investment?
For collectors of Highland Park or sherry cask whiskies, this bottling offers exceptional value as a limited single cask expression from one of Scotland's most respected distilleries. The combination of 13-year maturation in first-fill European oak, cask strength bottling, and extreme rarity makes it a worthy addition to serious collections.
What makes this different from regular Highland Park expressions?
Unlike Highland Park's core range, this single cask bottling comes from one specific sherry butt, creating unique flavor characteristics not found in their blended expressions. The cask strength presentation and first-fill European oak maturation deliver more intense sherry influence and complexity than their standard bottlings.
You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.
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