Highland Park is to release the final three expressions from its travel retail exclusive The Warrior Series range globally, with the roll-out set to be completed next month.
The range was originally unveiled in February, with the first three bottles – Svein, Einar and Harald – going on sale soon after that. The entire range draws on the Norse heritage and historical figures associated with the distillery’s Orkney Islands home.
The final three expressions were previously exclusive to European travel retail, and are being released through global travel retail from early September. Sigurd, the fourth in this range of single malt whiskies, will be released first, closely followed by Ragnvald. Thorfinn will hit shelves around the world in October.
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All six single malts from The Warrior Series range |
Carrying no age statements, the single malts are driven collectively by their flavour, with increasing quantity of European oak sherry seasoned casks as the range progresses. This allows Sigurd, Ragnvald and Thorfinn to deliver more complex, richer and sweeter flavour, adding to the distinctive smoky character of Highland Park whiskies.
As the range progresses, the style of the packaging also reflects the specific casks used in each expression and the scarcity and rarity of the whisky. Both Sigurd and Ragnvald are presented in decorative wooded boxes, while Thorfinn comes housed in a striking piano black box with distinctive gold detailing.
Einar, Svein and Harald all won Gold at the Scotch Whisky Masters Awards 2013, while at the 6th International Wine & Spirits Competition Svein took a Gold medal, with Harald and Einar both receiving Silver Outstanding awards.
Highland Park Global Marketing Manager Gerry Tosh said: “The initial introduction of The Warrior Series has been extremely positive and the recent accolades highlight just how strong the individual whiskies are.
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Thorfinn and Ragnvald are the final two expressions in the range | |
“We’re confident that the final three expressions in the series will further bolster Highland Park’s position in the travel retail arena, this eye catching collection not only looks spectacular but we are confident that the whisky will continue to grow our award-winning reputation.”
Maxxium Travel Retail Managing Director Glen Williams added: “The Warrior Series has been one of Maxxium’s most successful travel retail launches and has already exceeded our own expectations. Completing the range is very exciting as we now have the opportunity to replicate this success with the new expressions.”
THE STORIES BEHIND THE NAMES
Sigurd – considered amongst the strongest and most courageous warriors, and ultimately one of the most feared Viking earls featured in the Orkneyinga Saga.
Ragnvald – arguably the most famous and pioneering of all Vikings to enter unchartered waters. Nephew of Earl Magnus, Ragnvald was most at home aboard his longship undertaking his many great expeditions throughout the Middle East and even Asia.
Thorfinn was a man of much power and influence, who at one stage controlled the whole of the Orkney Islands. The Orkneyinga Saga described him as a great chief, the tallest and strongest of men whose remains are buried in St Magnus Cathedral on Orkney.
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TASTING NOTES AND PRICING
Sigurd – €150
ABV: 43%
Appearance: Autumnal gold, clear and bright
Bouquet: Fresh hay bales, mango, golden syrup sponge, caramelised pineapple and a fragrant smokiness
Palate: Sweet lemon peel, spicy cinnamon bark, oaky woodiness and hint of lavender
Finish: Spicy smokiness with lingering dusty wood notes
Ragnvald – €400
ABV: 44.6%
Appearance: Medium russet, clear and bright
Bouquet: Ripe damsons, oriental spices, candied peel and night scented stock
Palate: Well-balanced smoke and sweet, grated nutmeg, vanilla pods and high cocoa chocolate
Finish: Complex lingering gingery spiciness and smoke.
Thorfinn – €1,000
ABV: 45.1%
Appearance: Dark russet, clear and bright
Bouquet: Cedarwood, camphor, mango, coriander, spicy smokiness and vanilla pods
Palate: Very complex, ginger root to the fore followed by smoked oak.
Finish: Complex lingering spiciness and smoke.
