Highland Park Spirit of The Bear

Highland Park's Spirit of the Bear is the new entry-level whisky for Global Travel Retail - duty-free - shops. The Orkney single malt matured in sherry-seasoned American oak casks and was bottled at 40% ABV. The packaging states Smoky & Bold. Talk about speaking clearly to your customers.



The new distinctive graphic style and packaging - that started with Valkyrie - draws its inspiration from Viking lore. Bears were seen as independent and resilient woodland beasts and revered by the men from the north.

Let's have a look at the new travel retail whisky.

Identity Card Highland Park Spirit of The Bear

Image: Highland Park

• Official bottling from Highland Park Distillery, Orkney (Islands)
• NAS single malt
• Natural colour
• Alcohol: 40% ABV
• Matured in sherry-seasoned American oak casks
• Size: 1 litre
• Travel retail/ duty-free exclusive
• Price: around £45 / €50

Tasting notes

Colour: Pale yellow. White port. Fatty legs on the glass.

Nose: Smoky. Orange and salted caramel. A balanced mix of sweet fruity and salty aromas. Raisin biscuits, stem ginger, smoked pepper and clove. Some citrus and slightly metallic notes. Marzipan and vanilla.
With water: Smoke and metal. Earthy aromas and sweet spices.

Taste: Fairly light mouthfeel. Honey, orange, coffee, smoke, hay and black pepper.
With water: Orange and gingerbread. Roasted chestnuts.

Finish: Smoke, ginger and leather coat the tongue. Fairly short and crisp.

A very straightforward Highland Park. The refill casks are showcasing the spirit.  It's a flawless whisky with a decent balance. Maybe a bit thin due to the minimum alcohol by volume but keep in mind this is an entry level whisky. A lovely daily sipper during your holidays (or when you get back to work after the holidays).

Image & Sample: Highland Park