Highland Park has released its oldest and rarest expression to date, Highland Park 54 Year Old, which can be yours for the eye-watering price of £39,000.
Originally laid down in 1968, the spirit was transferred into first-fill sherry-seasoned casks by Master Whisky Maker Gordon Motion 14 years ago, and is described as “intensely rich, sweet and complex”.
For your dosh, you get a bespoke 70cl embossed bottle containing the 46.9% ABV whisky, a presentation box made from Scottish oak, and an invitation to attend a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the distillery’s home in Orkney. Probably the once-in-a-lifetime experience of handing over 39 grand for a bottle of booze.
Designed by craftsperson John Galvin, the box is sculpted to represent the cliffs of Yesnaby in Orkney. Each piece of wood was hand-blasted, and every box is unique with variations in colour. Michael Rudak, senior designer at high-end bottle maker Stoelzle Flaconnage, created the bottle housing the limited-edition liquid.
Only 225 bottles have been released – one for every year Highland Park has been making whisky for.
Gordon Motion commented: “This exceptionally rare 54 Year Old single malt Scotch Whisky has been nurtured through careful maturation and harmonisation. Representing a quarter of Highland Park’s life, we felt it was a fitting way to mark our 225th anniversary; born and crafted in the heart of Orkney.”
If you don’t get your hands on a bottle, don’t worry. You can always buy 2,363 bottles of Famous Grouse instead.
