Orkney-based distillery, Highland Park, has unveiled its new Cask Strength No. 4 ahead of the distillery’s 225th Anniversary in September.

Cask Strength No. 4 is Highland Park in its purest form. Neither diluted nor chill-filtered, Cask Strength No.4 delivers a robust and intense flavor and will be available globally from May in limited quantities.

The launch of Cask Strength No. 4 sees Highland Park use a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-port casks to the series for the first time. Matured predominantly in first-fill sherry seasoned European oak casks, along with first-fill ex-bourbon casks, first-fill sherry seasoned American oak casks, first-fill ex-port hogsheads and a small quantity of refill casks. These casks were all hand selected by Gordon Motion, Master Whisky Maker. The whisky is a naturally deep, rose gold color driven entirely by Highland Park’s casks, without additives.

To celebrate the launch of Cask Strength No. 4 in its 225th Anniversary year, Highland Park has partnered with UK-based woodworker, Jamie Gaunt, to design a commemorative piece shaped from the oak cask staves used to mature the whisky. Inspired by both the flavors of Cask Strength No.4 and history of the distillery, Gaunt’s sculpture will be on display in Orkney from summer 2023.

“The crafts of whisky production and woodworking draw many parallels,” Gaunt said in a news release. “Just as I transform a piece of wood, wood has the same impact on whisky. To commemorate the launch, I have transformed the staves from the casks to create a unique design inspired by Highland Park in its purest form.”

Highland Park produces each Cask Strength whisky in batches, annually, which allows the Master Whisky Maker the freedom to experiment with interesting styles of casks. This year, expect aromas of crushed lemons and cedarwood, along with peat smoke. On the palate, zesty pink grapefruit and fragrant rose water emerge, expertly balanced with toasted oak and heather-rich peat. A long finish gives way to sun-baked spices and a ribbon of liquorice.

The new Highland Park Cask Strength No. 4 will be available from May at $100 USD with an ABV of 64.3% in limited quantities.

For more information, visit https://www.highlandparkwhisky.com/en-us.