Loki – Highland Park’s Second of The Valhalla Collection
Loki, one of the most treacherous and mischievous characters in Norse mythology has turned on his adopted and earnest brother Thor for taking all the glory in last year’s whisky launch stakes by trying his hand at creating his very own Highland Park expression.
Highland Park Loki, a 15 year old limited edition single malt bottled at 48.7% abv, comes housed in the same unique and award winning wooden frame as Thor, echoing the fearsome contours of a traditional Viking long ship.
Loki is the second in The Valhalla Collection of four unique whiskies from Highland Park, taking inspiration from the legendary Nordic gods of old and continues the ground-breaking achievement of creating Thor – a 16 year old malt actually designed around the personality traits of an individual. The Orkney whisky maker has now created a unique flavour profile for its follow up. While unquestionably Highland Park, this time it mirrors the unpredictable, shape-shifting LOKI character and as with the trickster god of fire himself, all is not as it seems.
This single malt has been matured in both traditional Spanish sherry casks and also some heavily peated casks, giving it a smoky punch, while retaining a light colour.
Gerry Tosh, Global Marketing Manager, says,
“Thor was the first of its kind, a true quality malt built around an individual’s personality. This proved massively successful and it sold out globally. LOKI will continue to take Highland Park and The Valhalla Collection into new territory.
While everyone will recognise the definite ‘Highland Park-ness’ of this 15 year old single malt, it will be the unexpected and surprisingly smoky dynamics that will really get palates excited and mouths talking. This is unlike any expression that has come before and will beguile and fascinate with its complexity and trickery. Remember, all is not as it seems.”
This Single Malt comes housed in the same unique and award winning wooden frame as Thor, echoing the fearsome contours of a traditional Viking long ship
Both Whisky Boys are really looking forward to this one, so lets get tasting.
Loki – Highland Park 15 Year Old Limited Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 48.7% Alc/vol 70cl
Colour…Light polished pine
Jim’s Tasting
Nose…Salty sea spray, light heather, big lemon/lime zest hit, Jamaican ginger bread, looking for some smoke.
Taste…Mouth coating, full on three fruit marmalade, now some delightful smoke comes to the show, high cocoa chocolate, Pontefract cakes.
Finish…Medium to long, vanilla and a smooth gentle smoke, quite delightful.
Score…4 Corks
Nicola’s Tasting
Nose…Sea salt and pepper and vinegar crisps, marmalade rind, very green and crisp apple skins.
Taste…Fresh zest of orange and pink grapefruit drizzled with sugar, shaken St Clements drink, hint of spicy liquorice.
Finish…Medium with only a hint of smoke at the back.
Score…3.5 Corks
This is quite a complex, delightful and elegant Single Malt and The Whisky Boys highly recommend this fine dram, already looking forward to tasting the next Valhalla edition.
So if anyone gets a chance to sip this fine dram it does appreciate the addition of half a teardrop of water.
Highland Park’s Loki is available from specialist independent Whisky shops, on line and at the Highland Park distillery and www.highlandpark.co.uk at a RRP of £130.
