There Are No Shortcuts in Whisky Making

In the latter half of the interview, Daryl Haldane, Global Brand Advocate for Highland Park, began to sketch something on paper.

"I mentioned that casks are important in whisky making, and at Highland Park, we use both Spanish and American oak. To put it simply, 'Highland Park 12 Year Old' uses both European and American oak, while the 18 Year Old primarily uses European oak. The 25 Year Old is like an older sibling to the 18 Year Old. The 30, 40, and 50 Year Olds are special types."

Daryl personally favors the 21 Year Old (not available in Japan). "The European and American oak used at Highland Park are treated the same way, including drying and cask making."

The casks are made in Spain, seasoned with sherry, and then sent to Orkney. However, the aroma, color, and taste are all completely different. Also, since Highland Park is not colored, I hope you will savor the color when you drink it."

Orkney Islands: Inheriting Scandinavian Traditions

"My name is Haldane, but 'Haldane' refers to people of Danish and Scottish descent, and it's a popular name in Orkney. Magnus Eunson, who founded the Highland Park distillery, also didn't have a Scottish name."

Highland Park's "Valhalla Collection," named after Norse gods, began in 2012 with "Highland Park 'Thor'," inspired by the thunder god Thor. The following year, the second release, "Highland Park 'Loki'," was inspired by Loki, the god of mischief. This year, the third installment, "Highland Park 'Freya'," inspired by Freya, the goddess of beauty and love, has been released.

'Thor' was created to convey the myth of the male god Thor through whisky, using American oak to produce a simple, powerful, spicy, and straightforward whisky. For 'Loki,' we deliberately used peat from mainland Scotland to give it a different flavor. The 'Freya' released this time uses spirit aged in bourbon casks to evoke the image of a light, beautiful, and gentle nature goddess, a goddess of childbirth. It is aged for 15 years to express a goddess with a floral aroma. The final chapter, the fourth installment, will be released next February."

All whiskies in the Valhalla Collection are single malt Scotch whiskies aged between 15 and 20 years. When asked if they were conceived 15 to 20 years ago, the answer was, "That's what whisky is."

If You Get the Chance, Drink It in Orkney

When asked for a final message to Japanese whisky fans, he replied, "What I want to convey is that Highland Park is the world's finest spirit. That's all."

Over the past three installments, we have explored the charms of Highland Park, and it is clear that everything from the climate to the production methods has meaning, is meticulously crafted, and has a reason. Daryl left us with these final words: "If you get the chance, please drink this wonderful whisky in Orkney."

Born in 1984 in Scotland and residing in Edinburgh. Since 2012, as Highland Park's first Global Brand Advocate, he has been responsible for spreading the roots and enjoyment of "Highland Park" worldwide. He has experience as a Brand Ambassador for a major British liquor manufacturer and possesses advanced knowledge as a mixologist (a specialist who creates cocktails by blending ingredients and liqueurs in exquisite balance), as well as extensive knowledge of spirits, including whisky.

Tel. 03-6441-3025

• HIGHLAND PARK | The Storytelling Spirit, The Charm of Highland Park (Part 1)


• HIGHLAND PARK | The Storytelling Spirit, The Charm of Highland Park (Part 1)


• HIGHLAND PARK | The Storytelling Spirit, The Charm of Highland Park (Part 2)