Vikings
seem to have recently captured our imaginations as exhibited
by the popular TV series. Now, here's a true Viking tale!
Over 220 years ago the Vikings settled Orkney, the northernmost
part of Scotland. Magnus Eunson, butcher and church officer
by day, and bootlegger by night and this distilleries founder,
is a direct descendant of those Vikings. The distillery was
"founded" in 1798 but in truth that's just the year
that authorities finally caught up with Magnus - he was certainly
making whisky before that.
The
bottle carries through with this Viking theme. The decorative
"M" which stands for Magnus, is done in the Viking
art style called Urnes and harkens back to the legend of a
lion locked in battle with the forces of evil in the form
of serpent like dragons. The top of the bottle also features
the heads of two serpent-like dragons as well as the brand's
signature "The Orkney Single Malt with Viking Soul".
It really seems like this is the beverage to drink while watching
Game of Thrones.
This
whisky is crafted using a high proportion of Sherry seasoned
American oak casks, along with refill casks, which add to
its flavor profile. And speaking of its flavor profile, let's
get to it and see what this Viking whisky is all about. The
whiskey itself is a pale golden color and the nose first presents
with that familiar peaty smoky, slightly oaky aroma and then
delights with hints of caramel, vanilla and citrus. The palate
also presents the smoky, oaky peat flavor first followed by
a slightly spicy citrus with the vanilla and sherry bringing
up the rear. The finish is sparingly spicy, lightly citrusy
and, of course, peaty and smoky and lasts a medium amount
of time leaving trace amounts of sherry.
This
is a delightful single malt Scotch with a lot of flavors going
for it but none competing with the other. It is also a smooth
scotch that can be enjoyed straight up. Adding a rock or two
to the glass intensifies the oaky, smoky peaty flavors while
subduing the vanilla, sherry and citrus. If you truly enjoy
the taste of Scotch you won't be disappointed. If you're new
to scotch you won't be disappointed either as this is a very
palatable scotch especially if you add an ice cube or two.
Enjoy!
You
can find Magnus Highland Park Single Malt Scotch for around
$32.99 to $49.99 per 750ML bottle that is 40% ABV or 80 proof.
By George Brozowski
For
more Rants & Raves click
here.
https://www.highlandparkwhisky.com
