Orkney 17 (HP) 2005/2023 Signatory Vintage 17 years old Cask #27 Single Malt Whisky 70 cl 55,3%

Some whiskies give away their origin in brackets. "(HP)" on this label is Signatory Vintage's quiet nod, without breaking any confidentiality — a single sherry-cask experience from Orkney, bottled at full cask strength after seventeen years on oak.

Expert Description

Orkney 17 (HP) 2005/2023 Signatory Vintage 17 Year Old is a Single Malt Scotch Whisky from a single Oloroso sherry butt, bottled at cask strength 55.3%.

The name Orkney, paired with the bracketed hint (HP), is Signatory Vintage's discreet compromise: the distillery cannot be named, but the cask code DRU17/A63 and the nickname point unmistakably to Highland Park. The whisky spent its entire maturation in a single cask, number 27 — nothing blended in, nothing added.

The cask was filled on 7 May 2005 and bottled on 17 February 2023, yielding 612 bottles with natural colour and no further dilution.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Raisins, orange peel and dark chocolate sit on top of a light peat smoke, with a hint of sea salt hinting at its coastal origin.

Palate

Rich and sherry-driven, with fig, damson jam and a warm clove spice, underscored by a muted, mineral smokiness.

Finish

Long and warming, with lingering sherry sweetness, a light bitter cocoa note and a final hint of seaweed and salt air.

Specifications

Name: Orkney 17 (HP) 2005/2023 Signatory Vintage 17 Year Old Cask #27
Distillery: Orkney (undisclosed distillery, believed to be Highland Park)
Bottler: Signatory Vintage
Region/Country: Orkney Islands, Scotland
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 17 Years
ABV: 55.3%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Oloroso Sherry Butt, Cask No. DRU17/A63 #27
Natural colour: Yes
Distilled: 7 May 2005
Bottled: 17 February 2023
Number of bottles: 612
EAN: 5021944121885

Flavour Profile

Sherried · Peated · Spicy · Maritime

Did You Know?

A Single Cask bottling means every bottle in this release comes from exactly the same cask — no two single-cask releases from Signatory Vintage taste quite alike, even from the same distillery and vintage.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Orkney 17 (HP) 2005/2023 Signatory Vintage 17 Year Old

What does "(HP)" mean in the name Orkney 17 (HP)?

The abbreviation is Signatory Vintage's discreet nod to the distillery's identity, without breaching a confidentiality agreement. The cask code DRU17/A63 and the name Orkney both point towards Highland Park, one of the island's two distilleries.

Is this release worth it?

Yes — it's a single cask from one Oloroso sherry butt, bottled at full cask strength, from a release of just 612 bottles. That kind of rarity and hands-on approach makes it an appealing bottle for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Is the whisky too strong to drink at 55.3%?

It's bottled at cask strength, so it easily takes a few drops of water. That opens up the sherry sweetness without the whisky losing its body or spiced character.

How many bottles are there of Cask #27?

Only 612 bottles were filled from this single cask, making every bottle part of a genuinely limited release.

How should this whisky be served?

In a tulip-shaped whisky glass, ideally with a small splash of water on the side so you can adjust the strength to taste.

What's the difference between Orkney 17 (HP) and Highland Park's own 17-year-old releases?

This bottling comes from a single sherry cask selected by Signatory Vintage, with no added colouring, while Highland Park's own releases are usually a marriage of several cask types and often carry added colouring for a consistent look.