If anyone can challenge Thor, it's LOKI - the resourceful one! In 2012, we were introduced to the first of the four limited edition whiskies from the divine Valhalla Collection, Thor - a powerful case with a spirit percentage of 52.1%. Now Thor is challenged to lower his thundering hammer in favor of the giant Loki. A resourceful, cunning fox whose charming exterior can manipulate even the strongest of believers.Highland Park now presents the second of the four amazing whiskies in the divine Valhalla Collection; a series of unique whiskies inspired by the legendary Norse gods. S LOKI CHALLENGES THOR TO LAY DOWN HIS MIGHTY HAMMERHighland Park unveils the second whisky in the acclaimed Valhalla Collection 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 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 color. 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 recognize 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." 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 hit of gingerbread develops. With water, liquorice 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 liquorice 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. Inspired by the mischievous and mercurial Nordic god, the amber liquid of the newly released Loki seems to capture the unpredictable shape-shifting nature of its namesake. Matured in both Spanish sherry and heavily peated casks, the flavors offer sweetness and spice with a layer of smoke that distinguishes the Loki bottling from classic Highland Park whiskies. "The whisky transforms itself through nosing and tasting into a classic Highland Park expression but with a twist. From citrus on the nose to the puff of smoke on the tongue then a glorious combination of fruit and vanilla on the finish, Loki is a testament to the skill of Highland Park's whisky maker Max McFarlane," brand ambassador Martin Daraz tells us.
Following Thor as the second of four rare whisky offerings in the Valhalla Whisky of the Gods series from Highland Park, Loki comes housed in the same wooden frame resembling a Viking long ship that helped its predecessor sell out rapidly. The northernmost distillery in Scotland, Highland Park was established in 1798 on the remote isle of Orkney-a fitting setting for this seafaring package. Though the Nordic god Loki was known for creating discord and distraction among the Nordic gods, this Loki is more likely to put a smile on the faces of whisky collectors around the world OM:Highland Park Thor 16 Y.O. has a rich amber color with notes of glowing iron. The aromas are concentrated and powerful with notes of smoke, fresh ginger, antique copper, cooked plums and golden syrup. When water is added, notes of earth are experienced, like in a garden after a summer rain shower. The palette has a great strength that intensifies and sustains the flavor experience. The first impression is of gingerbread, followed by vanilla, blackberry, fresh mango, peach and cinnamon. As the flavor begins to swirl in the mouth, softer and sweeter notes develop, giving Thor an extra unexpected layer of complexity and depth. The finish leaves lingering notes of sweet vanilla and intense spice.Highland Park Thor 16 Y.O. is the first release of Highland Park's stunning Valhalla Collection, in a series of four unique whiskies released once a year, inspired by the legendary Norse gods.Highland Park Thor 16 Y.O. is in honor of the great warrior Thor and a celebration of Highland Park's Nordic cultural heritage. This limited edition is surrounded by a unique wooden frame that reflects the fearsome contours of traditional Viking ships. Awards:The Spirits Business 2012 Awards Won 'Spirit Design Masters Award' International Spirits Challenge 2012 Gold Medal 'Best in Class' Origin: Orkney, Scotland Taste: Initially gingerbread, then vanilla, blackberry, fresh mango, peach and cinnamon take over. As the flavor begins to swirl around the mouth and develop some softer and sweeter notes, giving Thor an extra unexpected layer of complexity and depth Color: Rich amber with notes of glowing iron Aroma: Concentrated and powerful with notes of smoke, fresh ginger, antique copper, cooked plums and golden syrup. When added to water, notes of earth are experienced, like in a garden after a summer rainHighland Park is produced at the world's northernmost distillery on the legendary Orkney Islands.Highland Park was built in 1798 on the very islands that were said to have belonged to a famous whisky smuggler. The smuggler Magnus Eunson enjoyed a strong position within the church and could therefore attend to his side business undisturbed. Who would want to search for the forbidden commodity under the pulpit? The unique character of Highland Park is due to the peat used as fuel when drying the grain. This peat has absorbed salty waves for centuries, giving a heathery note to the whisky. The whisky is aged in oak casks for at least 12 years. Little by little, the whisky matures and the fiery flavor mellows and the whisky achieves an exceptionally smooth character. A careful and time-consuming process that guarantees that this whisky reaches its perfection. Michael Jackson, author of many famous books on whisky describes Highland
