From Sparrow’s Scotch list, the Highland Park 18 is one of the most rewarding single malts we pour, a rich and complex Orkney whisky worth lingering over at our Kirkland bar ($41 by the pour, or $61.50 for a larger pour).
About Highland Park 18
Highland Park is the distillery on Orkney, the islands off the far north coast of Scotland, and it has a character all its own. The distillery still uses peat cut from Orkney’s Hobbister Moor to dry some of its malted barley, and that local peat gives Highland Park a distinctive aromatic, heathery smoke rather than the heavy coastal peat you find on Islay. The 18 year old is matured largely in sherry-seasoned oak casks over its long maturation, which builds the deep, dried-fruit richness it is known for. It is a benchmark aged single malt and a genuine treat.
Tasting Notes
This is a layered, full-flavored single malt. Look for rich dried fruit and honey sweetness, a touch of dark chocolate and spice, and a gentle, aromatic heather smoke woven through it all rather than a big smoky punch. It is balanced and elegant, with a long, warming finish.
What to Pair It With
An aged malt like this is meant for slow sipping, neat or over one large cube. It is a wonderful after-dinner pour in our 21+ lounge, and its dried-fruit richness stands up beautifully to the American Wagyu steaks or the Sparrow-Smoked Rack from the Sparrow dinner menu. Settle in and make a night of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Highland Park 18 from?
It is an Orkney single malt Scotch from the Highland Park distillery, off the far north coast of Scotland, aged 18 years largely in sherry-seasoned oak casks.
Is Highland Park 18 smoky?
It has a gentle, aromatic heather smoke from peat cut on Orkney, much softer and more perfumed than the heavy peat smoke of an Islay malt.
How much is a pour of Highland Park 18 at Sparrow in Kirkland?
It is $41 by the pour, or $61.50 for a larger pour, at Sparrow in Kirkland.
Find it on the Sparrow beverages menu near other single malts like the smoky Lagavulin 16 and the lighter Glenmorangie 10 yr. We are in Kirkland’s Juanita neighborhood on the Eastside, so reserve a table and come taste it.