Highland Park 1999/2026 - 26 y.o. - Refill Oloroso Sherry Butt #5337 (Best Dram)

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 55.7% | Chill filtration: No | Colouring: No

Special Features:

A previously used Oloroso sherry cask shapes this long-matured Highland Park. The single malt was distilled on 30 September 1999 and spent 26 years in Refill Oloroso Sherry Butt number 5337. Best Dram commissioned its bottling on 17 July 2026, yielding 498 bottles.

The sherry influence remains restrained, leaving room for honey, fruit and delicate smoke. Heather, caramelised apple and cake crumble also feature in the aromatic range. Roasted hazelnuts and oak provide a spicy counterpoint.

The whisky was bottled at its cask strength of 55.7%. It is neither chill-filtered nor coloured. The bottle contains 0.7 litres and comes without gift packaging.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The nose combines heather honey with the warm sweetness of dried apricots. Delicate orange zest adds a fresh, slightly bitter accent. A hint of earthy smoke remains behind the finely interwoven fruit and honey notes.
• Palate: The whisky opens powerfully on the palate with sweet, roasted, caramelised nuts. Sherry notes then emerge with dried fruit and warm cask spice. The cask influence is nuanced, while subtle smoke accompanies the nutty and spicy impressions.
• Finish: Oak and roasted hazelnuts carry the long finish. As the nutty notes slowly fade, dry spice and a delicate trace of smoke remain.

Distillery/Bottler:

Highland Park has been making whisky in Kirkwall on Scotland's Orkney Islands since 1798. Its distilling craft includes its own malting floors, where the malt is turned by hand. Heather-rich peat from nearby Hobbister Moor is used during kilning. It contributes to the aromatic, delicately smoky house style.

Best Dram is responsible for this independent bottling. Behind the brand is Michel Reick, also known as Whisky Druid. His work focuses on selecting individual casks with distinctive character. Best Dram releases these whiskies in limited quantities, without chill filtration or added colouring.

Facts: