Obtaining Highland Park 17 Year Old The Dark Scotch Whisky Online in Dublin Ireland

Highland Park 17 Year Old The Dark is a distinguished single malt Scotch whisky from the renowned Highland Park distillery in Orkney, Scotland. This expression is part of the brand’s Viking Legend series, which draws inspiration from Norse mythology and the rugged, windswept landscapes of the Orkney Islands. The Dark, as the name suggests, embodies a deeper, more intense flavor profile compared to its sibling, Highland Park The Light.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this 17-year-old whisky is matured primarily in first-fill sherry-seasoned European oak casks, contributing to its rich, brooding character. With notes of dried fruit, dark chocolate, spice, and smoky undertones, The Dark offers a complex and rewarding drinking experience for whisky enthusiasts.

The Legacy of Highland Park Distillery

A Distillery Steeped in History

Highland Park, founded in 1798, is one of Scotland’s oldest whisky producers. Located in Kirkwall, Orkney, it is the northernmost Scotch whisky distillery in the world. The remote island location plays a crucial role in shaping the whisky’s character, with the salty sea air and peat from Hobbister Moor influencing its distinctive flavor.

Viking Heritage and Craftsmanship

Highland Park embraces its Norse roots, with many of its releases paying homage to Viking legends. The Dark is part of this thematic series, representing the shadowy, mysterious aspects of Norse mythology. The distillery’s traditional production methods—including floor malting a portion of its barley and using hand-turned peat—ensure an artisanal quality in every bottle.

Sustainability and Innovation

Despite its deep-rooted traditions, Highland Park has embraced modern sustainability practices, including efforts to reduce carbon emissions and conserve water. This balance of heritage and innovation makes it a respected name in the whisky world.

The Story Behind Highland Park 17 Year Old The Dark

Part of the Viking Legend Series

Highland Park The Dark is the counterpart to The Light (a 17-year-old whisky aged in American oak). Together, they symbolize the duality of Norse mythology—light and dark, creation and destruction. The Dark represents the more intense, mysterious side of this duality.

Maturation Process

Aged for 17 years in first-fill sherry-seasoned European oak casks, the use of European oak (as opposed to American oak in The Light) imparts deeper tannins, spice, and dried fruit flavors. The whisky’s natural color comes entirely from the cask, with no artificial coloring.

Limited Availability

As a limited-edition release, Highland Park The Dark is highly sought after by collectors. Its scarcity adds to its allure, making it a prized addition to any whisky cabinet.

Tasting Notes & Flavor Profile

Appearance

Deep amber with ruby highlights and slow, viscous legs indicating a rich, full-bodied texture.

Nose (Aroma)

Rich dried fruits like raisins, figs, and dates mingle with dark chocolate and cocoa. Warming spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove emerge, alongside subtle smoky peat—a signature Highland Park trait—and hints of oak and leather.

Palate (Taste)

Luscious sweetness from sherry influence (think black cherry and plum) is balanced by bitter dark chocolate and espresso. A spicy kick of ginger and black pepper adds depth, while oak-driven notes of tobacco and gentle peat smoke linger in the background.

Finish

Long and warming, with dried fruit and spice persisting. A whisper of smoke and oak tannins provides a dry, satisfying conclusion.

ABV & Balance

Bottled at 46.4% ABV (non-chill filtered), the higher strength enhances the whisky’s complexity without overwhelming the palate.

How It Compares to Other Highland Park Whiskies

Highland Park The Dark vs. The Light

The Dark, aged in European oak, offers dark fruit, spice, and chocolate flavors with moderate smoke, while The Light, aged in American oak, is brighter with citrus, vanilla, and honey notes.

Highland Park 18 Year Old vs. The Dark

The 18-year-old is more balanced with honey, heather, and softer oak, whereas The Dark is more intense, with deeper sherry influence and spice.

Highland Park Valkyrie vs. The Dark

Valkyrie is younger (no age statement) and more aggressively peated, while The Dark offers more complexity and refinement from extended aging.

Expert Reviews & Awards

Critical Acclaim

Whisky Advocate awarded it 93 points, calling it “a masterful balance of sherry richness and Orkney peat.” Master of Malt rated it 4.7/5, praising it as “a whisky that demands contemplation with every sip.” Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible gave it 95.5 points, declaring it “a triumph of cask selection and maturation.”

Awards

It has won a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and was named Best Highland Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards.

Best Ways to Enjoy Highland Park The Dark

Neat or With a Drop of Water

Best enjoyed in a Glencairn glass to concentrate aromas. A few drops of water can open up hidden spice and fruit notes.

Whisky Cocktails (For the Adventurous)

Try it in an Old Fashioned to enhance its dark fruit and spice or in a Rob Roy, a Scotch-based Manhattan variation.

Food Pairings

Pairs wonderfully with dark chocolate (85% cocoa or higher), blue cheese (Stilton or Roquefort), and smoked meats like venison or duck.

Collectibility & Investment Potential

Why It’s a Collector’s Item

As a limited-edition release from Highland Park’s prestigious Viking Legend series, it has high scores from critics and increasing rarity.

Market Value & Appreciation

Originally retailing for $150-$200, its current secondary market value ranges from $250-$400, with potential for further appreciation as stocks diminish.

Conclusion: Is Highland Park 17 Year Old The Dark Worth It?

Highland Park 17 Year Old The Dark is a masterclass in sherry-cask maturation, offering a rich, layered drinking experience, Obtaining Highland Park 17 Year Old The Dark Scotch Whisky Online in Dublin Ireland. Its deep flavors of dried fruit, spice, and smoke make it a standout in Highland Park’s lineup. Whether you’re a seasoned whisky collector or an enthusiast looking to explore premium Scotch, The Dark is a worthy investment.