Valhalla Collection 2
CELEBRATING THE LAUNCH OF HIGHLAND PARK VALKNUT
“I know one thing which never dies: the reputation of each dead man.”
Poetic Edda, Hávamál, verse 77
Highland Park is excited to introduce you to VALKNUT Special Edition single malt Scotch whisky. In partnership with renowned Danish designer Jim Lynvgild, Highland Park VALKNUT is the second in a series of three VIKING LEGEND releases inspired by our rich Viking history and mythology.
Jason Craig, Highland Park brand director, commented: “Valknut is an intensely balanced whisky with an ABV of 46.8%. It’s been matured predominantly in American sherry seasoned oak casks with a slightly higher phenolic level, compared to Valkyrie. We’ve also used a small amount of Orkney grown Tartan barley which adds to its smokier edge and lingering sweet, spicy finish.”
Designer, Jim Lyngvild commented: “The story of the Valknut is compelling and I wanted to ensure that the design feature of this packaging was a fitting match to the whisky created by Master Whisky Maker Gordon Motion.
“Also, as VALKNUT is part of a series of three expressions, I made sure that there is continuity in style of the packaging – for example, the frieze design at top is consistent in look but the story of the symbol has been brought to the front panel.”
Jim’s inspiration came from two important Nordic sources in Gotland, Sweden – the first of the four Stora Hammars stones and the picture stone at Tängelgårda.
VALKNUT means ‘knot of those killed in battle’ and its symbol of three interlinked triangles is closely associated with the Norse god Odin who guided the spirits of the dead to Valhalla.
Norse mythology tells of the VALKYRIES, Odin’s female servants, who combed the battlefields for the bravest fallen warriors. Vikings who met an honourable death were marked out by the symbol of the VALKNUT and spirited away to VALHALLA to join Odin’s mighty army and prepare for RAGNAROK, the battle of the end of the world.
Highland Park – Freya – ‘The Fair One’ – Takes Centre Stage
After the lightning strike of the mighty Thor and the smoky complexity of the trickster Loki, Highland Park has turned its attention to the mesmerising Norse Goddess of Love, Freya for the third release in the acclaimed Valhalla Collection.
Famed for her great beauty and often known as The Fair One, Freya is the patron and protector of the human race, and to whom souls travel to be renewed. On one hand she is a beautiful and sensitive adviser but on the other a hot blooded and glorious Warrior that no one can resist.
Her story is full of colour and legends. Spring flowers fall from her hair and she sheds tears of gold and amber. It is believed the reflection from her magical cloak of feathers in the night sky creates the aurora borealis (Northern Lights).
Highland Park has continued The Valhalla Collection tradition of reflecting the character and qualities of the Norse Gods in the whisky itself, this time taking Freya’s intriguing allure and feisty personality as their inspiration to create an entrancing single malt – full, rich and complex with a lingering beguiling finish.
The shimmering gold 15 year old vibrant whisky offers a white chocolatey aroma with a fresh tropical fruitiness emerging from the trademark gentle, sweet smokiness Highland Park is known and loved for.
Freya represents the continuation of Highland Park’s Valhalla Collection; a range of four unique whiskies taking inspiration from the legendary Nordic gods of old. Bottled at 51.2% ABV this limited edition whisky comes housed in the same unique and award winning wooden frame of Thor and Loki, echoing the fearsome contours of a traditional Viking long ship.
Gerry Tosh, Global Marketing Manager said:
“Freya is the only female to feature in The Valhalla Collection and being a serene, spiritual and giving goddess, she brings a fresh allure and depth to the lineup. Her beauty and majesty are said to make her utterly captivating and I think people might feel the same about this smooth and classy single malt. It is unmistakably Highland Park, but offers a rich, full burst of flavour that reflects this Warrior God’s mesmeric aura and feisty dominant side.”
Freya will be available from specialist independent whisky retailers, at the Highland Park distillery and www.highlandpark.co.uk from 7th February at a RRP of £140.
Tasting Notes:
Highland Park Freya – 15 years old – 51.2% abv
Colour: The Fair One, golden
Aroma: Almond and Madagascan vanilla shimmer in the distance like the Aurora Borealis. White chocolate followed by candied cherries makes way for a vibrant wave of mango and melon, riding upon a cloud of cream soda.
Taste: The heart of this whisky shines like a jewel, surrounded by fragrant peat. Orange peel, butterscotch and rose petals provide the sweetness along with orange blossom and ginger. Lively popping candy, lemongrass and tropical fruits are lightly shrouded in peat smoke.
Finish: Complex and beautiful, yet balanced and considered like Freya herself, the finish gives lingering spice and soft peat smoke intertwined with soft orchard fruits, toasted coconut and a light char, providing a rounded depth and allowing this whisky to soar.
For further information please contact Linsay Moore/Sarah McDonald at The BIG Partnership via email on firstname.lastname@bigpartnership.co.uk or by phone on 0131 557 5252.
