Highland Park has teamed up with Mjølner Australia to release a cask strength 14yr old single malt exclusively for the Australian market.
Mjølner said the decision to collaborate with Highland Park was an easy one for its first signature bottling, with both venues identifying with the proud, independent spirit of the Vikings.
The release joins a collection of more than 900 bottles across Mjølner’s Melbourne and Sydney venues, featuring some of the world’s most well-known drams as well as some extremely exclusive and rare finds.
Highland Park (HP) was founded in 1798 by Magnus Eunson, a descendant of the Vikings who once ruled Orkney. Highland Park is recognised for its skill and discipline in creating its intensely balanced flavour.
Discussions within the Mjølner team began very early on, with the dream of Mjølner having its own Highland Park release. Once the seed of collaboration was planted with the Highland Park team, it wasn’t long until great news from Scotland followed – the distiller had some Whisky ready to sample that could possibly become a Mjølner signature bottling.
At the first tasting, the Mjølner clan say knew it was perfect for them, with its loads of sherry and spice, sweet vanilla and a touch of smokiness.
From there, 1731 bottles were blended from a small number of casks including a combination of Butts (477 Litres), Puncheons (318 Litres) as well as Hogsheads (238.5 Litres). The casks were predominately made up of 1st Fill Sherry Seasoned European Oak cask, followed by 1st Fill Sherry Seasoned American Oak cask and remaining whisky was from traditional refill casks.
The Mjølner bottling is unprecedented for Australia, utilising exclusive access to the unique combination of Highland Park single casks in the distilling process.
In true Mjølner style, the venues will be delivering their signature dram tableside in a miniature replica Viking long boat custom made to home the Whisky bottle and glassware.
The bottles will be available to purchase from Spirits Platform directly for venues and retailers. For consumers it will be in selected whisky retail shops throughout Australia, such The Oak Barrel, however also available at Mjølner Melbourne to purchase.
Huge week for Mjølner
The release of Highland Park’s Mjølner whisky co-incides with the Melbourne venue’s mixologist Alex Boon becoming the Australian winner of Diageo World Class for 2019.
Beating hundreds of bartenders from across the nation, Boon will head to Scotland on September 24- 26 to fly the flag for Australia and compete against 55 other nations for the title of Diageo World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2019.
Diageo noted that Boon marked his fourth year entering the competition with an “exceptional win, demonstrating unique flair, passion and creativity during the event”.
