HIGHLAND PARK HAILED AS NUMBER ONE SCOTCH

Press release 1st June 2010

For the third consecutive time, Orcadian Highland Park single malt has been awarded top marks by leading US independent whisky expert Paul Pacult in his coveted list of best spirits in the Spirits Journal 2010.

Following its Best Spirit in the World accolades in 2005 and 2009*, Highland Park 18 year old single malt ranks as the number one Scotch this year, while Highland Park 25 year old comes in at number 14.  Highland Park 18 year old was also included in Pacult's listing of "5 " Trapped-on-an-Island? Spirits That Sue and I Could Not Live Without." 

Paul Pacult commented on Highland Park's number one rating: "This classic continues to be a stupendous work of distilling art that, I believe, is one of the greatest beverage alcohol liquids ever produced and is assuredly the finest of the last 20 years.  Graceful on the one hand; might and fathomless on the other. Delectably salty/peaty/maritime on the one hand; intensely malty on the other. If I could only select but one Scotch whisky, Highland Park 18 year old would remain that very special singular choice. A masterpiece to savour many times before one dies."

Commenting on hitting the number one spot, Gerry Tosh, Head of Brand Education, said: "Paul Pacult's continuous support is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our team at the distillery. Highland Park 18 year old is the whisky we are most proud of and it has received the most plaudits from experts and enthusiasts alike. 

"The reason, we believe, it wins more awards than any of our other whiskies is down to the perfect balance of sweet and smoke. We use 45% first-filled sherry casks, predominantly European, which gives that rich sweetness and aromatic Orcadian peat and a subtle, gentle smoky aftertaste.

"When you nose Highland Park 18 year old, you will find big toffee notes, almonds and sherry and dark skinned fruit but more importantly when you drink it, you are rewarded with a unique dryness followed by a water sensation that leaves you with rich full flavour, hints of honey and peat with a soft, long rounded finish." 

Highland Park 18 year old is available in Tesco, Oddbins, and specialist retailers or online at www.highlandpark.co.uk and at an RRP of £63.