Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice 2000 Highland Park #552

Gordon & MacPhail is one of Scotland’s most respected independent bottlers, with a legacy dating back to 1895 and longstanding partnerships with distilleries across the country. Their Connoisseurs Choice range, first introduced in the 1960s, helped pioneer the modern single malt category by bottling individual distilleries at a time when blends dominated the market. This 2000 vintage Highland Park, aged 25 years and bottled from cask #552 at 52.6% ABV, is a limited release of approximately 160 bottles, matured in a first-fill bourbon barrel to highlight clarity and structure.

Highland Park, based in Orkney, is known for its balanced style that combines gentle peat smoke with honeyed sweetness and maritime influence, making it one of the most distinctive island distilleries in Scotland.

Tasting Notes
Nose: Honeyed malt and vanilla lead, followed by citrus, soft oak, and a touch of coastal air with light peat.

Palate: Rich and structured, with notes of caramel, orchard fruit, and spice balanced by gentle smoke and a creamy texture.

Finish: Long and elegant, with lingering oak, soft peat, and a subtle maritime dryness.