The third release in Highland Parks The Valhalla Collection is the Freya, a 15 year old single malt Scotch whisky named after the Norse Goddess of Love. Wise, sensitive and with a magical cloak of feathers that creates the Northern Lights above Orkney, Freya was a valiant protector of human souls.
Smooth on the palate, with passion fruit, and more overt peatiness than is apparent on the nose. Subtle peat, char, and a hint of licorice in the finish.
Adding water will intensify these notes, but will also provide a soft ending rather than a tighter, more astringent one. Your call; mine is to enjoy au natural.
The complexity and progression here is both interesting and delicious. It starts as a sweet fruit bomb and ends bold, smoky and dry. Really unique and enjoyable.
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House Review
Nose:
Really prominent honey, lemon meringue, light floral perfume - almost lavendar. Light brine and vanilla buttercream. Faint green apple.
Taste:
Medium light mouthfeel. Muted flavors. Some mild heat - growing fruitiness. Pear, lemon, pepper and brine, lavendar and cardamom. Smoke steps in, ashy, peppery, no vegetal character.
Finish:
Medium length, restrained heat. Peppery smoke, ash, burning lumber. Salty bread. Faint vanilla. No fruitiness.
Overall:
The complexity and progression here is both interesting and delicious. It starts as a sweet fruit bomb and ends bold, smoky and dry. Really unique and enjoyable.
Score:
85
By t8ke
Our in house critic rates spirits on a scale of 0-10 (10 best) and is aggregated the same as external sources
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