1989 The Maltman

Highland Park 1989, released by The Maltman — an independent bottler based in Glasgow with an eye for mature, characterful casks. This whisky spent three decades in a bourbon hogshead, achieving a distinctive balance between Orkney's maritime character and the round, full texture that extended maturation brings.

The nose reveals honey and melon, fresh bread, orange juice, and caramel touched with cocoa powder. On the palate, the mouthfeel is beautifully round and full, with cream, marzipan, butterscotch, and lingering honey. The finish brings a hint of sea salt, then vanilla ice, roasted oak, and toffee.

This is a rare expression — not the typical smoky Orkney profile, but rather a mature, layered dram that has used time to build complexity. A bottle for those who appreciate old, well-aged malts.