Highland Park Distillery
Discover Orkney's Viking soul at Highland Park Distillery, crafting unique single malt Scotch whisky since 1798.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
Highland Park Distillery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Orkney's Viking soul at Highland Park Distillery, crafting unique single malt Scotch whisky since 1798.
"One of the best distillery tours we have done, highly recommended."
🚗 Shuttle Bus Convenience
Lee, the shuttle bus driver, is praised for being friendly and helpful. He provides transport to and from town. :bus:
💰 Value for Money
Some find the 'Cask Strength' experience pricey. Consider the cheaper tour and buying your preferred whisky separately. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Working Malting Floor
Distillery Floor
Witness a rare, traditional malting floor in action, a key element in Highland Park's unique flavor profile.
Whisky Tasting Experience
Tasting Room
Savor a selection of Highland Park's renowned whiskies, from the 12 Year Old to rarer expressions.
Orkney's Viking Heritage
Distillery & Exhibits
Immerse yourself in the distillery's deep connection to Orkney's Viking past, reflected in their branding and history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Orkney Travel Logistics
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Shuttle Bus Convenience
Lee, the shuttle bus driver, is praised for being friendly and helpful. He provides transport to and from town. :bus:
💰 Value for Money
Some find the 'Cask Strength' experience pricey. Consider the cheaper tour and buying your preferred whisky separately. :moneybag:
🎁 Driver's Kit Available
If you're driving, ask about the driver's kit to take samples home. :gift_heart:
📚 Signed Guidebooks
The 'Archive Experience' tour includes a signed guidebook and a rocks glass. :books:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Shuttle Bus Convenience
Lee, the shuttle bus driver, is praised for being friendly and helpful. He provides transport to and from town. :bus:
💰 Value for Money
Some find the 'Cask Strength' experience pricey. Consider the cheaper tour and buying your preferred whisky separately. :moneybag:
🎁 Driver's Kit Available
If you're driving, ask about the driver's kit to take samples home. :gift_heart:
📚 Signed Guidebooks
The 'Archive Experience' tour includes a signed guidebook and a rocks glass. :books:
🥃 Special Occasion Visits
The distillery team kindly provided a birthday card, making a visit extra special. :birthday:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Highland Park Distillery for its rich history, unique whisky character, and the engaging tours. The friendly staff, particularly guides like Sara and shuttle driver Lee, are frequently highlighted for enhancing the experience. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some guests felt certain premium tours didn't fully justify their cost, suggesting alternative ways to enjoy the whisky.
"I finally got to visit my favourite distillery!
It lived up to my expectations and I had a wonderful time. The tasting room and the range of whiskies were the icing on the cake. I would love to come back again. Unfortunately, I couldn't take a bottle home with me as we were travelling with hand luggage only. The Swallows' Return would have tempted me, though. Thank you very much for the experience."
Heiner Tovar
"The Highland Park distillery has recently been reopened after a year long renovation. The tour is lovely and you get to see an actual working malting floor, which is quite rare to see in distilleries these days.
Only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is because we paid for The Cask Strength experience, and I don't believe the value was worth the price. Half the whiskies we tried weren't available for purchase. In my opinion, you're better off getting the cheap tour and paying for fancy whisky to taste at the end.
The tasting room IS pretty excellent, so it's worth doing the cheaper formal tasting."
Cale
"Great tour thanks to Sara, she was very helpful, informative and friendly. Her description of the whisky making up tasting really brought them alive. Plus thanks to Lee for the shuttle bus ride, again very friendly and helpful, nothing was too much trouble Overall one of the best distillery tours we have done, highly recommended."
Andy Saxby
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Highland Park Distillery is located in Kirkwall, Orkney. You can reach Orkney by ferry from mainland Scotland (e.g., Scrabster, Gills Bay, John o' Groats) or by flying into Kirkwall Airport (KOI). From Kirkwall town, the distillery is a short drive or bus ride away. Some tours include shuttle bus service from town.
Orkney has a bus service, and car hire is available. Many visitors find it convenient to drive to explore the island and reach the distillery. Consider booking car hire in advance, especially during peak season.
The most common ways to reach Orkney are by ferry from the north coast of Scotland or by flying into Kirkwall. Ferries offer scenic journeys, while flights are quicker. Research ferry schedules and flight availability based on your starting point.
Yes, taxis are available in Kirkwall and can take you to the distillery. It's advisable to book a taxi in advance, especially if you are visiting during busy periods or outside of standard operating hours.
Yes, some tours, like the 'Local Legends' tour, include a shuttle bus service to and from Kirkwall town, which is very convenient for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tour prices vary depending on the experience. The 'Local Legends' tour is a popular choice, offering a good balance of history and tasting. More exclusive experiences like 'The Cask Strength' are available at a higher price point. Check their official website for current pricing and tour options.
It is highly recommended to book your tour in advance, especially for popular experiences or during peak tourist season. This guarantees your spot and avoids disappointment. You can usually book directly through the Highland Park website.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Highland Park Distillery website for the most up-to-date information on tour availability and operating hours.
Yes, Highland Park offers various tours, including the 'Local Legends' tour focusing on history and flavour, and more in-depth experiences like 'The Cask Strength' for serious enthusiasts. They also have tasting sessions.
Yes, the distillery has a shop where you can purchase a range of Highland Park whiskies, including some distillery exclusives that might not be available elsewhere.
🎫 🥃 Whisky & Tasting
Highland Park whisky is known for its unique flavour profile, influenced by its location in Orkney. Key elements include the use of peat from the island, sherry cask maturation, and the traditional malting floor, all contributing to its distinctive smoky, heather, and honey notes. 
The whiskies available for tasting depend on the tour you choose. Popular tours often include the 12 Year Old Viking Honour, and more premium tours may offer tastings of older expressions like the 18 Year Old, or warehouse exclusives.
Yes, the Highland Park 12 Year Old Viking Honour is a core expression and is typically available for purchase at the distillery shop. Other expressions may also be available.
Tasting notes often include heather, honey, peat smoke, dried fruit, citrus, and spice. For example, the 56 Year Old has been described with notes of coriander, jasmine tea, orange, funk, heather, honey, raisins, lilacs, smoke, oak, and spice.
While the primary focus is whisky tasting, inquire about options for non-drinkers when booking. Some distilleries offer alternative experiences or mocktails. The distillery also offers a 'driver's kit' to take samples home.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique architecture of the distillery, the dramatic Orkney landscapes surrounding it, and close-ups of the malting floor. The Viking-inspired branding also offers visually interesting shots.
Photography policies can vary. Generally, photos are allowed in public areas like the tasting room and exterior, but may be restricted in certain production areas for safety reasons. Always check with your guide.
Orkney itself is a photographer's paradise. The coastal scenery, ancient sites, and the distillery's setting provide ample opportunities for stunning landscape shots.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wide shots of the distillery and tighter details. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions inside or for capturing the Orkney scenery.
Searching for 'Highland Park Distillery photos' on Google Images or browsing Instagram hashtags like #highlandparkdistillery and #orkneyphotography will yield many inspiring images.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🥃 Whisky Connoisseurs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Flavors of Highland Park
+1Another crucial element is the traditional malting floor, one of the few remaining in Scotland where malting is still done by hand. This process, combined with the use of sherry casks for maturation, imparts rich notes of dried fruit, honey, and spice. The interplay between the gentle peat smoke and the sweet sherry influence creates a complex and harmonious dram that appeals to a wide range of whisky enthusiasts.
These elements, combined with the distillery's long history dating back to 1798, contribute to the 'Viking Honour' and rich heritage associated with Highland Park. The distillery actively embraces its Viking roots in its branding and storytelling, making each bottle a journey into Orkney's past.
Planning Your Distillery Experience
When planning your visit, consider the different tour options available. While the standard tours offer a great introduction, more exclusive experiences like 'The Cask Strength' provide access to rarer whiskies and deeper insights. However, some visitors suggest that the value proposition for these premium tours might not always align with the cost, recommending the standard tour followed by purchasing desired drams from the shop.
Logistics are also key. Getting to Orkney requires planning, whether by ferry or flight. Once on the island, the distillery is accessible by car or taxi, and some tours include shuttle services from Kirkwall. Remember to book your tour in advance to secure your preferred time slot, especially during the busy summer months.
The Viking Influence on Highland Park
+2This Viking theme extends to the distillery's visual branding, featuring intricate knotwork and imagery inspired by Norse mythology. The bottles themselves often tell a story, with designs that evoke the rugged beauty and ancient sagas of the islands. This commitment to heritage creates a unique narrative around the brand, appealing to those who appreciate history and craftsmanship.
+1During a visit, you can learn more about how this Viking legacy shapes the distillery's philosophy and the character of its whisky. It's a reminder that Highland Park is not just producing a spirit, but also preserving and celebrating a unique cultural heritage that has endured for centuries.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit