Highland Park whisky – Island

Highland Park distillery information

On the Island of Orkney, in the town of Kirkwall, we find the most northern distillery in Scotland (its close neighbor Scapa lies roughly half a mile more south); Highland Park. Claimed to be founded in 1798 by Magnus Eunson, it takes its name from its location: the “High park” above Kirkwall. In 1826, it was officially licensed. It shifted ownership a few times over the years (including being owned by a priest who insisted on reducing production, as he believed producing whisky contradicted his religious status). It was finally purchased by James Grant (of the Glen Grant distillery), who bought and expanded the distillery in 1895. In 1937 it became property of the Highland Distillers group, which was acquired by the Edrington Group in 1999.
The island of Orkney
The island of Orkney
Highland Park prides itself on sticking to traditional methods of producing whisky. It is one of the few remaining distilleries that malt their own barley. The barley is steeped in mineral-rich water, then laid on the malting floor to germinate and is turned by hand. Being a traditional Island whisky, a portion of the malt used is kilned with local peat, particularly rich with heather; this heather is believed to be a major factor in the whisky’s unique taste. For maturation, Highland Park relies on sherry-seasoned oak casks, though it experiments with other cask types for special releases.
The stills at Highland Park
The stills at Highland Park
In 2025, Highland Park moved away from its long-running Viking branding in favor of packaging inspired by Orkney’s land, sea and sky, though the distillery’s Norse heritage still features in its storytelling and in named releases like the Warriors series.

Highland Park Whiskies

Winners of many international prizes, Highland Park is hailed by many whisky enthusiasts. Its core range, “The Classics,” currently includes:

Current Special Editions (small-batch, produced to showcase particular cask, malt or peat influences, and not re-released once sold out):

Travel Exclusives, available in duty-free zones, inspired by Orkney’s nature:

Distillery info:

Detail
Information
NameHighland Park
RegionIsland
CountryScotland
LogoHighland Park logo
StatusActive
Founded1798/1826
Water sourceCattie Maggie's Pool
Malting floorYes
Owned byEdrington group
Address Highland Park Distillery Holm Road Kirkwall Orkney KW15 1SU
Visitor centreYes
Websitehttps://www.highlandparkwhisky.com/en
Twitterhttps://www.twitter.com/HighlandPark
Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/HighlandParkWhisky
Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/highlandparkofficial
YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/user/HighlandParkWhisky
CommunityInner Cirlce
Map

Distillery Setup:

Component
Capacity
Quantity
Mash tun8 tonne1 ( (semi-lauter)=
Washback29,200 litres12
Wash still14,000 litres2
Spirit Still9,000 litres2
Expected yearly output in LPA (Litres of pure alcohol)2,500,000
Images courtesy of Highland Park

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Highland Park located?

Highland Park sits in Kirkwall on the island of Orkney. Its closest neighbour, Scapa, lies roughly half a mile further south.

Where does the name Highland Park come from?

Highland Park takes its name from its location: the “High Park” above Kirkwall. It’s claimed to have been founded in 1798 by Magnus Eunson, and was officially licensed in 1826.

Did religious beliefs ever affect production at Highland Park?

Yes. The distillery changed hands several times over the years, at one point owned by a priest who insisted on reducing production, believing that making whisky contradicted his religious status.

How is Highland Park connected to Glen Grant?

James Grant, also of the Glen Grant distillery, bought and expanded Highland Park in 1895. It became part of the Highland Distillers group in 1937, which was later acquired by the Edrington Group in 1999.

Does Highland Park still malt its own barley?

Yes. Highland Park is one of the few remaining distilleries to malt its own barley. The barley is steeped in mineral-rich water, then laid on the malting floor to germinate and turned by hand. A portion of the malt is kilned using local peat particularly rich in heather, believed to be a major factor behind the whisky’s distinctive taste.

What casks does Highland Park use for maturation?

Highland Park relies mainly on sherry-seasoned oak casks for maturation, while experimenting with other cask types for special releases.

Did Highland Park change its branding recently?

Yes. In 2025, Highland Park moved away from its long-running Viking branding in favour of packaging inspired by Orkney’s land, sea and sky, though its Norse heritage still features in its storytelling and in named releases like the Warriors series.

What is the core Highland Park range?

The core range, branded “The Classics”, currently includes a 12, 15, 18, 21, 25, 30, 40 and 56 Year Old.

Does Highland Park have a visitor centre?

Yes, Highland Park has a visitor centre.