The storied distillery, Highland Park, unveils a bold new look for its 12-, 15-, and 18-year-old single malts without changing the iconic whisky within
When you’ve been crafting whisky for over two centuries in a place as wild and wonderful as Orkney, you don’t rush things—be it your spirit or your style. But every now and then, even a legend deserves a refresh. Enter Highland Park’s latest unveiling: a striking new design for its core range of 12-, 15-, and 18-year-old single malts. Brighter, bolder, and unmistakably inspired by its rugged island home, this packaging revamp is a love letter to Orkney’s untamed beauty and its whisky-making mastery honed since 1798.
Highland Park’s story is deeply intertwined with its island roots. Situated off Scotland’s northeastern coast, Orkney is a place where the North Sea bites, the Gulf Stream warms, and the wind bullies trees into submission. But instead of forests, heather carpets the land, lending its floral character to the island’s peat—an ingredient that gives Highland Park its signature smoky-sweet flavour. “For Highland Park, everything comes back to Orkney, from how we craft our whisky, to how it gets its distinctive taste, to the incredible community of people who do things their own way,” says its global brand director, Paul Condron. “We’ve been here for more than 200 years, and we’re excited to share this new design direction for Highland Park, which truly reflects the freshness and modernity of our Orkney home.”
The terroir infuses every drop of whisky the distillery produces, with the new packaging now reflecting that same spirit. Soft, heather-flecked labels nod to Orkney’s windswept moors, while the bottles—now updated, but still recognisable—allow the natural whisky colour, drawn straight from the cask, to shine through. There’s even a subtle “Product of Orkney” mark embossed into the glass, a quiet but confident stamp of island pride.
An icon, reimagined
While the bottle designs have evolved, rest assured the liquid gold inside remains untouched. It’s still the multi-award-winning expressions that whisky lovers know and respect.
Known as the gateway dram to Highland Park’s world, the 12-Year-Old is a beautifully balanced introduction to the distillery’s signature style. Its natural golden hue comes straight from the cask—no artificial colouring here. On the nose, you’ll find bright notes of citrus, honey, and dried fruit, with a subtle whisper of Orkney’s signature aromatic peat smoke. The palate delivers warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, intertwined with heather honey and a gentle hint of vanilla. The finish is mellow yet lightly smoky, making it a versatile whisky that’s as enjoyable on a quiet evening as it is with good company.
The 15-Year-Old is a step up, with a little more complexity and a lively contrast of flavours. Matured in a combination of first-fill sherry-seasoned American and European oak casks, it’s a whisky with personality. Aromas of ripe citrus—particularly orange zest—are lifted by hints of vanilla, dried herbs, and gentle peat smoke. On the palate, it dances between sweet and spice: honeyed heather, baked apples, and vanilla custard meet warming ginger and cloves. Bottled at a slightly higher ABV of 44 per cent, it’s got a little more punch, with a finish that lingers longer than a midsummer’s day in Orkney.
And then there’s the crown jewel of the trio, the 18-Year-Old; a whisky that demands your attention, and rewards it richly. Frequently lauded as one of the world’s best single malts, it boasts a deep amber hue that hints at the complexity within. The nose opens with waves of dark fruits—plums, raisins, and cherries—layered with rich toffee, baking spices, and a touch of dark chocolate. The palate is full-bodied yet elegant, with bursts of dried fruit, candied orange peel, and warm cinnamon, balanced by Highland Park’s signature peat smoke. The finish is luxuriously long, with lingering notes of sweet sherry and gentle oak—a dram for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
Styled sustainably and available globally
Beyond aesthetics, the redesign is part of Highland Park’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. The new cartons are made from 100 per cent recyclable cardboard sourced from FSC-certified forests, because respecting the land is as important as drawing inspiration from it.
The refreshed core range is already available in Singapore at select retailers and on Highland Park’s website. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a curious newcomer, there’s never been a better time to pour a dram and taste the spirit of Orkney—now looking as good as it tastes.
