Highland Park, renowned for its exceptional Scotch whisky, has once again pushed boundaries with its latest limited edition expression, Twisted Tattoo. This release follows in the esteemed footsteps of Full Volume, and elevates the concept by merging the art of whisky-making with the ancient art of tattooing. For this unique project, Highland Park collaborated with world-renowned tattoo artist Colin Dale of Skin and Bone. Dale, deeply rooted in his Danish heritage, seamlessly blends his artistic vision with the spirit of Highland Park, resulting in a bottle that is as captivating as the liquid it holds.
The Twisted Tattoo bottle is a masterpiece in itself. It features a striking depiction of Iörmungandr, the mythical serpent from Viking legends. This colossal creature, said to encircle Midgard (the world) and grasp its own tail, is brought to life with intricate detail, immediately drawing the eye and sparking curiosity. The artwork transforms the bottle into a tangible piece of Norse mythology, making it a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Sometimes, the sheer artistry of a bottle can be the deciding factor, urging you to bring it home, and Twisted Tattoo undoubtedly possesses this allure.
This exceptional whisky is a harmonious marriage of 153 ex-Rioja casks and 70 first-fill ex-Bourbon casks. The result is a beautifully light-golden spirit, bottled at 46.7% ABV and proudly bearing a 16-year age statement. However, Twisted Tattoo is not a whisky that overwhelms. Instead, it unfolds on the palate with grace and complexity. Expect gentle yet pronounced flavors, weaving together notes of peat, luscious peach, sweet berries, creamy vanilla, and a subtle whisper of smoke. This is a whisky of exquisite layers, sophisticated yet robust, offering an utterly delightful tasting experience.
Highland Park has cultivated a reputation for consistent top-tier quality, and Twisted Tattoo only reinforces this. Despite their ever-expanding collection, each expression maintains a distinct identity, ensuring that Twisted Tattoo stands apart. It hints at the tireless dedication within the distillery, where master distillers continually experiment and refine their craft. One can only speculate if Full Volume served as a foundation for Twisted Tattoo, suggesting that these “Masters of Kirkwall,” akin to the mythical Dwarves of Niðavellir, are perpetually striving for even greater heights. For now, their innovative processes remain shrouded in delightful mystery.
