Highland Park Valfather 70cl Whisky. 47% abv

The final bottling from the Viking Legend series, Valfather was named after the Norse god Odin. It's the most peated whisky to date from Highland Park, a style designed to mimic Odin's power. Valfather was matured in refill casks in order to balance the peatiness and also because the brand supposedly wanted to mirror the ethereal and lighter feel of Valhalla, Odin’s hall. 

Nose - Robust smoke fills the nose initially followed by delicate vanilla, Conference pears, green apple skins and a heady, heavy floral richness. Cedarwood, honeycomb, spice from black pepper and nutmeg, as well as salted caramel and heathery peat. 

Palate - Layers of creamy vanilla, apricot yoghurt and a helping of crème brûlée interplay with notes of incense burners, iron and salted almonds. Then orange marmalade, charred wood and dried earth, toffee apples and smoked paprika.

Finish - Long. The floral smoke lingers  but is offset by tropical fruit and black pepper.