The new Highland Park collection of four whiskies has been developed exclusively for the channel.

Highland Park is to build on its strong momentum in travel retail with a new collection of four whiskies developed exclusively for the channel.

The collection will see the re-introduction of age statements as well as new packaging and bottle designs which bring Highland Park’s travel retail offer in line with the brand’s domestic range.

Created by master whisky maker Gordon Motion, each expression showcases different aspects of Highland Park’s flavour profile and natural, cask-driven colour. Consumer navigation is aided by range graphics on the back of each pack and clear flavour descriptions for each product.

Providing an entry point into the new collection, the Spirit of the Bear expression is primarily matured in sherry-seasoned American Oak casks and bottled at 40% abv. Tasting notes include smoky peat, root ginger, freshly grated nutmeg, sweet vanilla pods and 100% natural colour.

LOYALTY OF THE WOLF

The second expression in the series, the 14yo Loyalty Of The Wolf, is a burnished gold whisky matured in a combination of sherry-seasoned American oak casks and ex-Bourbon casks. Bottled at 42.3 abv, vanilla sponge cake, baked apples, cinnamon, light smoky peat and 100% natural colour are among the tasting notes.

Thirdly, the 16yo Wings of the Eagle spicy whisky sits at the heart of the new collection, according to the company. With layers of flavour derived from its combination of whiskies matured in sherry-seasoned European and American oak casks, it is bottled at 44.5% abv with tasting notes of sweet figs and apricots, warm nutmeg, chocolate coated marzipan, aromatic peat smoke and 100% natural colour.

The Spirit of the Bear expression is primarily matured in sherry-seasoned American Oak casks and bottled at 40% abv.

Finally, the 18yo Viking Pride Travel Edition, the pinnacle of the collection, offers the opportunity to try the award-winning domestic 18yo at 46% abv. This delivers a naturally darker whisky with a fuller flavour. It is matured primarily in sherry-seasoned European oak casks and boasts cherry conserve, rich dark chocolate, heather honey, aromatic peat smoke and 100% natural colour tasting notes.

Spirit of the Bear, 14yo Loyalty of the Wolf and 16yo Wings of the Eagle are due to be released in European travel retail this month with 18yo Viking Line pride Travel Edition set to follow later in the summer. The full new collection is expected to be available in major Asian and Middle Eastern airports from September and in the Americas from December.

STORYTELLING PROPOSITION

Igor Boyadjian, Managing Director, Edrington Global Travel Retail said: “Highland Park has established a reputation for differentiation from its Orcadian roots and Viking heritage through to its highly collectible, unique single malts, as well as its track record of product and packaging innovation.

“The new travel retail exclusive collection delivers a step-change in range navigation through a number of premium cues which allow consumers to understand the different character of each whisky whilst offering a strong storytelling proposition and on-shelf presence.”

Jason Craig, Brand Director, Highland Park added: “The new travel retail exclusive Highland Park collection marks a major step for the brand as we look to deliver new innovations and explore new flavour profiles for whisky drinkers around the world.

“In a channel where storytelling and consumer engagement are critical, we’re confident that these whiskies capture the richness of our heritage and combine it with stunning, unique whiskies in beautiful packaging.”

The 14yo Loyalty Of The Wolf is a burnished gold whisky matured in a combination of sherry-seasoned American oak casks and ex-Bourbon casks.