KIRKWALL, ORKNEY, SCOTLAND -- The Highland Park distillery has opened its refurbished visitors center here at the northernmost Scotch whisky distillery in the world.It brings to life the distillery, established in 1798, and its integral relationship with the Orkney Islands. Visitors are given samples of the distillery's products at the bespoke tasting bar, which features Orkney drystone walling and traditional oak reclaimed from an original Highland Park washback previously used for the fermentation stage of making the single malt.
A new cask education area highlights the vital role of the sherry oak casks used to develop the complexity of the whisky.
The center also offers something called the "Connoisseur’s Tour," a more in-depth experience which ends in the Tasting Room with a tasting of the malts in Highland Park’s portfolio, including the 12-, 15-, 18- and 25-year-old expressions.
As the company notes, "Visitors can view historic Highland Park memoirs, including a note from Sir Winston Churchill. During World War II, HMS Royal Oak was sunk in Scapa Flow and Churchill visited the distillery. When offered a cup of tea on arrival, he immediately stated his preference for a glass of Highland Park."
ON THE WEB
• Highland Park Visitors Center
• Dowd's Guides
