Highland Park Cask Strength: Heather

Highland Park is best when it’s loud, and Highland Park Cask Strength: Heather is no exception.

This limited-edition cask strength release comes in at a formidable 63.6% ABV, built from first-fill Sherry matured European and American oak, rounded out with carefully picked refill casks. It’s non-chill filtered with no added colour, so what you get in the glass is what came out of the cask: charred marshmallow, macadamia nuts and brandy butter from the Sherry wood, lifted by aromatic heathered peat and that classically oily Highland Park finish.

The unmistakable Highland Park peat is where Heather shines. Highland Park’s usual house style features 80% unpeated malt to 20% Orkney peat. Heather throws that ratio out the window, using 100% Orkney peat sourced from Hobbister Moor, a few miles down the road from the distillery. Trees struggle to grow on Orkney thanks to the relentless wind, but every summer the moor turns into a carpet of purple heather. Over time, that heather has infused itself into the peat, giving this dram a floral character you won’t find anywhere else.

It’s already scored a Double Gold at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and has largely sold out around the world.

Here in Australia, it’s been just as scarce. A handful of bottles landed here unofficially earlier this year, with Highland Park lovers paying $199+ to score one. But thanks to our close relationship with the distillery, we got an allocation direct for Members at just $140.