Highland Park 'Dark Origins' Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Orkney, Scotland

Highland Park 'Dark Origins' Single Malt Scotch Whisky Orkney, Scotland

Critic tasting note: "Dark Origins is a new addition to Highland Park’s core range, inspired by the distillery’s founder, Magnus Eunson. The recipe embraces twice as many first-fill sherry casks than that of Highland Park 12 year old. Chocolate malt, caramel, and ripe bananas on the nose, with a whiff of coal dust. Silky on the palate, with dry sherry, autumn berries, plus more coal and a spicy, plain chocolate edge. Long and dry in the smoky finish, with black pepper."

Highland Park ‘Dark Origins’ Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Orkney, Scotland

ABV: 46.8%

Cask Influence: Double first‑fill sherry casks (twice the proportion used in HP12)

Style : Dark, sherried, smoky Highland Park with chocolate malt, dried fruit, and peppery coal‑smoke depth

Appearance - Deep mahogany with ruby flashes — unmistakably first‑fill sherry‑driven.

Nose - Built from the critic note: “chocolate malt, caramel, ripe bananas… whiff of coal dust” Chocolate malt, cocoa nibs, and dark caramelRipe banana, dried berries, and stewed orchard fruitCoal dust, soft smoke, and charred stave. A thread of autumn spice and polished sherry oakRich, dusky, and unmistakably “Dark Origins.”

Palate - From the critic’s descriptors: “dry sherry, autumn berries, more coal, spicy plain chocolate” Dry Oloroso sherry, raisin, and blackberry compote. Plain dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and roasted malt. Coal‑tinged smoke, ember warmth, and charred oak. A savoury edge of leather and toasted nutsSpice builds: black pepper, clove, and a hint of ginger. Silky, dark, and layered — the double first‑fill sherry really shows.

Finish - Long, smoky, and peppery.Dry smoke, black pepper, and cocoaA final echo of sherry‑soaked fruit and coal dust

A brooding, sherry‑rich Highland Park with chocolate malt, dark fruit, coal‑smoke depth, and peppery warmth. Fuller, darker, and more intense than HP12 — a modern cult favourite.

A dark, sherried Highland Park loaded with chocolate malt, caramel, ripe banana, dry sherry, autumn berries, and coal‑smoke spice. Silky, smoky, and long‑finishing — a bold Orkney classic.