Highland Park 1976 70cl
ABV: 46-55% (varies by bottling) | Origin: Scotland (Orkney Islands)

Highland Park 1976 is a rare and exquisitely aged single malt whisky, showcasing over four decades of maturation. It offers deep, complex notes of dried fruits, rich toffee, and dark chocolate, complemented by gentle peat smoke, aromatic spices, and polished oak. The finish is exceptionally long and refined, embodying the pinnacle of Highland Park’s craftsmanship.

Tasting Profile

• Nose: Profound complexity with rich dried fruits, antique oak furniture, beeswax, heather honey, aromatic peat, orange marmalade, old leather-bound books, and subtle maritime notes
• Palate: Extraordinarily layered with dark chocolate, Christmas cake, stewed plums, honey, toffee, gentle heathery smoke, cinnamon, clove, and hints of tropical fruits developed through long maturation
• Finish: Exceptionally long and evolving with waves of sweet spice, dried fruit, elegant smoke, oak tannins, and delicate salt influence

Production Details

• Distillation method: Traditional copper pot stills
• Cask type(s):
  • Primarily European oak sherry casks from the era
  • Extended aging of approximately 30-40+ years depending on bottling date
• Special processes:
  • Distilled in 1976, representing Highland Park's traditional production methods
  • Natural presentation at cask strength for many bottlings
  • Non-chill filtered with no artificial coloring
  • Extremely limited availability as a vintage-dated expression

Perfect For

• Serious whisky collectors and connoisseurs
• Investors in rare and appreciating spirits
• Once-in-a-lifetime special occasions and significant celebrations
• Experiencing the evolution of Highland Park through extended maturation
• Those seeking to taste whisky from a golden era of Scotch production

Expert Notes

• Represents a highly regarded vintage year for Highland Park
• Demonstrates the extraordinary development possible with decades of maturation
• Showcases Highland Park's signature balance of sherry richness, heathery peat, and maritime influence
• Different bottlings (official distillery releases or independent bottlers) offer unique expressions of this vintage

Customer Reviews

• "A masterclass in complexity and the transformative power of time." – Alexander M. ★★★★★
• "Layers of flavor that continue to evolve with each sip." – Elizabeth K. ★★★★★
• "A rare glimpse into Highland Park's distinguished heritage." – Robert J. ★★★★★

Interesting Facts

• 1976 is considered one of Highland Park's exceptional vintage years
• These bottles represent whisky produced during a historically significant period using traditional methods
• The mid-1970s preceded many modernizations in Scotch whisky production
• Bottles from this vintage have become increasingly scarce and highly sought-after

Serving Suggestions

• Best enjoyed neat in a tulip-shaped nosing glass
• Allow significant time (30+ minutes) to breathe and develop in the glass
• Consider tasting small amounts over multiple sessions to appreciate its evolving complexity
• Pair with quiet contemplation and minimal distractions to fully appreciate its depth

Distillery

• Highland Park Distillery, founded in 1798 on the windswept Orkney Islands, stands as Scotland's northernmost distillery. In 1976, Highland Park maintained traditional floor maltings and production methods that have since become increasingly rare in the industry. The distillery's remote island location provides a unique temperate climate that encourages gentle maturation, while their use of aromatic Orkney peat, rich in heather, creates their distinctive smoke profile. This 1976 vintage expression captures a