HIGHLAND PARK 2004 13 YEARS OLD 62,5% SINGLE CASK #6220 | VELIER

Embarking on an exploration of Scotch whisky particularly from the esteemed house of Highland Park introduces one to the Highland Park 2004, a 13-Year-Old Single Cask with a formidable strength of 62.5%. This release carries the hallmarks of a meticulously crafted spirit from one of Scotland's most revered distilleries, offering an in-depth narrative of the distillery's venerable approach to whisky making, as well as showcasing the deft touch of its bottlers.

**Highland Park Distillery** is steeped in tradition, situated on the Isle of Orkney, a region known for its rugged natural beauty and ancient history. The distillery itself, founded in 1798, is one of the few distilleries that still adheres to traditional methods, including floor malting, peat-cutting, and slow, deliberative distillation and aging. This commitment to traditional craftsmanship ensures every bottle from Highland Park is imbued with the rich character and complexity of its origins.

The **2004 Vintage**, aged for 13 years, represents a vivid snapshot of the year’s climatic nuances. Distilled in the year 2004 and left to mature until its bottling, this particular cask, number 6220, was selected for its distinctive qualities. The spirit was aged in a 'Refill Butt,' a type of cask that imparts a subtle influence on the whisky, allowing the natural characteristics of the distilled spirit to profilerate, while still infusing layers of nuanced flavors and aromas garnered from the wood.

The choice of cask type demonstrates a respect for balance and refinement. Refill butts, generally used more than once for Scotch whisky maturation, are revered for their ability to imbue the spirit with complexity without overwhelming the innate flavors of the whisky. In the case of the Highland Park 2004, the use of a **Refill Butt** ensures that the peaty, heathery profiles native to Highland Park are gloriously manifest, complemented by the more subtle, spicy, and fruity notes developed during its cask maturation.

The powerful **62.5% ABV** is particularly noteworthy. This high proof signifies that the whisky is bottled at cask strength, offering a purer, more robust expression of the distillery’s output. Connoisseurs and enthusiasts might appreciate the opportunity to taste the whisky in a form that's closer to its original state in the cask, often leading to a richer and more immersive tasting experience. It can be enjoyed neat, though some might prefer adding a bit of water to open up its myriad layers.

Handling the release is the acclaimed Italian company Velier, who are renowned for their expertise and passion in selecting and bottling some of the world's most exceptional spirits. Known as an independent bottler, Velier has a reputation for their discerning cask choices, creating partnerships that allow them to bottle under the distillery's brand—what is termed an 'official' turn. This collaboration between Highland Park and Velier underscores a shared commitment to quality and exclusivity.

This specific bottling, encased in a 70 cl bottle, invites a rare tasting journey accentuated by its single cask origin, which ensures it is both unique and unrepeatable. Each bottle from a single cask offers a unique profile, which this Highland Park exemplifies, providing not just a taste but a storied sip of Scotch whisky history.

For collectors and aficionados, the Highland Park 2004 13 Years Old from cask #6220 presents not only an unparalleled drinking experience but also an exquisite addition to any collection. Marking such a spirited and vibrant embodiment of Highland Park's mastery, it stands as a testament to the heights that thoughtful, seasoned craftsmanship can reach in the world of fine spirits.