HP Loki

HP Loki

Loki

Loki, one of the most treacherous and mischievous characters in Norse mythology has turned on his adopted and earnest brother Thor for taking all the glory in last year’s whisky launch stakes by trying his hand at creating his very own Highland Park expression.

Highland Park Loki, a 15 year old limited edition single malt bottled at 48.7% abv, comes housed in the same unique and award winning wooden frame as Thor, echoing the fearsome contours of a traditional Viking long ship.

Loki is the second in The Valhalla Collection of four unique whiskies from Highland Park, taking inspiration from the legendary Nordic gods of old and continues the ground-breaking achievement of creating Thor – a 16 year old malt actually designed around the personality traits of an individual. The Orkney whisky maker has now created a unique flavour profile for its follow up. While unquestionably Highland Park, this time it mirrors the unpredictable, shape-shifting LOKI character and as with the trickster god of fire himself, all is not as it seems.

There are classic traces of sweetness and spice, but it has been matured in both traditional Spanish sherry casks and also some heavily peated casks, giving it a smoky punch, while retaining a light colour. The finish is intriguing and complex. It is a whisky constantly changing, chameleon-like, from appearance to finish and the few lucky and expert palates who have savoured it describe it as “enigmatic” and “truly another whisky of the Gods.”

Gerry Tosh, Global Marketing Manager, says,

“Thor was the first of its kind, a true quality malt built around an individual’s personality. This proved massively successful and it sold out globally. LOKI will continue to take Highland Park and The Valhalla Collection into new territory.

While everyone will recognise the definite ‘Highland Park-ness’ of this 15 year old single malt, it will be the unexpected and surprisingly smoky dynamics that will really get palates excited and mouths talking. This is unlike any expression that has come before and will beguile and fascinate with its complexity and trickery. Remember, all is not as it seems.”

Loki will be available from specialist independent whisky retailers, at the Highland Park distillery and www.highlandpark.co.uk at a RRP of £130.

To hear more from Loki visit www.whiskyofthegods.com

TASTING NOTES

Nose:

A spirited lift of dried bitter orange which quickly turns into lemon peels. Cardamom notes trick then tease the nose, before an enticing hint of gingerbread develops. With water, licorice and aromatic smoke are both unleashed.

Palate:

The true shape-shifting ability of Loki springs to life on the palate: its waxy texture is amplified by an intense smoke that doesn’t appear on the nose, shattering the light citrusy illusion of the aroma. All is not what it seems. The smoke fades as licorice and rich spiced apple flavours come out to play. Lemon and grapefruit are consistent throughout this elusive, yet intriguing character. With a touch of water, lingering notes of melted dark chocolate over spent embers leave a soft smoky impression.

Finish:

As Loki departs, he leaves behind toasted cloves, hickory smoke and soft vanilla. It is constantly changing, from appearance to finish. Loki is an enigma and truly another whisky of the gods.