Secret Orkney Distillery 1999 22 Year Old – Sansibar Whisky (51.9% abv)

This Secret Orkney 22 year old was distilled in 1999 and matured in a bourbon hogshead before bottling in 2021 at 51.9% abv. Founded in 1798 Highland Park is one of the most Northern and longest running distilleries in Scotland. Owned by the Edrington group, Highland Park fans are spoilt for choice with the amount of distillery bottles of varying casks and age statements each year. When these independently bottled single casks come along they are a great insight into the distilleries DNA and this cask has it tenfold. The nose presents leatherwood honey, slightly fruity and deeper malty notes that transcend seamlessly to a palate of tin peaches and iced tea. The finish is long and slightly more bitter and herbaceous with the malt taking the lead at the end.

Sansibar Whisky is a German independent bottler founded by Jens Drewitz, who carefully selects and bottles some of the finest casks of whisky and rum. He initially did so with the purpose of supplying his restaurant Sansibar, but Sansibar Whisky is now held in high esteem all over the world.