Whiskybase

Highland Park Thor

Overall rating
87.62/100
votes
412
Whiskybase ID
WB29909
Category
Single Malt
Distillery
Bottler
Distillery Bottling
Bottling serie
Valhalla Collection
Bottled
2012
Stated Age
16 years old
Number of bottles
23000
Strength
52.1 % Vol.
Size
700 ml 750 ml
Barcode
5010314094607
Added on
25 jan 2012 12:25 pm
UncoloredCask Strength
Highland Park Thor
Photo by Cast Olila
Highland Park Thor
Photo by SteveHP
Highland Park Thor
Photo by brandyhill1
Highland Park Thor
Photo by brandyhill1
Highland Park Thor
Photo by brandyhill1

Average value

€ 846.03

Found 24 online shops. Lowest price:

£ 625.00
fr La Maison du Whisky € 990.00
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136 × in wishlist

412 × member ratings

1746 × in collection

Whisky Reviews for Highland Park Thor

40 users have left a review for this whisky and scored it an average of 87.62 points

  1. hs305 scored this whisky 88 points Connoisseur

    [January, 2019] When this Valhalla series was released by Highland Park I refused to buy any bottle because I thought these were completely over-priced for just 15-16 years old stuff and I guessed the quality would not match such a high price (of around 150 Eurobucks)...

    ...and my guess was justified, This is an average-quality Highland Park (by the standards of 2012) with some sherry notes that should justify the price premium from a marketing perspective - but it does not from my perspective as a drinker! To be honest: I liked the standard 18-years old HP (bottled around 2012) better and you got two bottles of that for less money than one Thor demanded...
    • Nose
      88 88
      The colour is russetmuscat and the nose is that of an average mid-aged Highland Park with some sherry casks added to the batch. It is fine and delicate and both without highlights and flaws. What else to say? There is not a single whiff of sulphur in this dram - back in 2012 no first tier distillery dared to release sulphur-spoiled casks in special editions (but this changed completely since then, greed kills modesty - finally)...
    • Taste
      89 89
      The taste starts unimpressive compared to the standard 18-years old HP of that time but it adds some shy sherry flavours (chocolate) and a touch of liquorice after some chewing. Later some spices join in but I miss the lush fruits and honeys HP is famous for, usually. Nevertheless, a delicate taste and very quaffable - but again: Does this justify such an extraordinary high price for a mere 16-years old? Everyone should decide by him-/herself - I did...
    • Finish
      88 88
      The dram arrives warming but with almost no coating effect on the palate which provides a rather thin mouthfeel. The finish is of medium length and shows even more of the liquorice with some subtle chocolatey notes. No distracting bitter or astringent moments both during the mouthfeel and finish. Some water releases more earthy aromas in the nose and turns the mouthfeel and finish a little more creamy - I like this dram best a little reduced to about 46% abv.

  2. lincolnimp scored this whisky 85 points Connoisseur

    The nose is ok, some decent sherry notes mixing with peat and dark fruits and hints of honeycomb.
    The palate being completely honest is a little boring but it has a good mouthfeel and does improve over time.
    Medium finish with a little spice coming through.
    For the price it is a bad buy IMHO, there are better whiskies around much cheaper than this, even other HP.
    • Nose
      84 84
    • Taste
      86 86
    • Finish
      86 86

  3. peatbogger scored this whisky 88 points Specialist

    Could have bought a bottle at the distillery (Aug-2017) at £350, while average WB price is €800.

    It's not a £350 whisky, and I'm not a punter.
    • Nose
      Recognisable HP nose, maybe a little bit more herbal and earthy mixed in with the more expected light citrusy honey sweetness.

      Light caramel and smoke.
    • Taste
      Got quite a kick on first impact, but calms down quick. Spicy, sweet caramel with a light salty sprinkle. Rather thick mouthfeel and a little dry.
    • Finish
      Medium+ in lenght, slightly bitter orange note and some drying spice.

  4. Artus scored this whisky 91 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      91 91
    • Taste
      91 91
    • Finish
      90 90

  5. Baanaanaabob scored this whisky 90 points Connoisseur

    Menthol, vanilla, dried fruits, toffee, orange, sweet spices, overpriced for sure but not bad at all.

  6. toklian scored this whisky 85 points Connoisseur

    N21 P22 F21 B21

  7. Yarema scored this whisky 86 points Expert Senior

    Unexpected and very confusing. Expected a lot more. Very closed nose and otherwise very conflicting tastes ...
    Nose - 21
    Taste - 22
    Finish - 21
    Balance - 22
    Rating - 86

  8. alex..w..fan scored this whisky 86 points Connoisseur

    21 22 21 22 86

    Powerful, cute, but little expression, sorry ...

  9. KonstUA scored this whisky 87 points Connoisseur

    Nose 22.5, taste 22, finish 21, balance 21.5

  10. Lu Cifer scored this whisky 88 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      88 88
    • Taste
      89 89
    • Finish
      87 87

  11. Heemhoeve scored this whisky 85 points Expert Senior

    Great packaging !!!
    Whisky is very fitting in the Highland series, but the complexity is somewhat disappointing. The drink is a bit "hard in the mouth", expected more ......... Take the time for Thor's experience and deeper layers are discovered !!!

  12. Bram84 scored this whisky 87 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      88 88
    • Taste
      87 87
    • Finish
      86 86

  13. PatSch23_12 scored this whisky 92 points Expert Senior

    What a great whisky. A shame, what happens to the bottles in pure intuition collections. This malt is so worth drinking.
    • Nose
      dark forest berries, cream toffee, heather, hay, cigar tobacco, sweet chestnut, dark, earthy and mineral, honey and some beeswax, orange marmalade and cinnamon
    • Taste
      strong onset, immediately oily, linseed oil, licorice, salmiac, gingerbread, caramel, pepper, fennel seed, browned butter, spicy nuts (walnut)
    • Finish
      very long, strong licorice, clearer smoke, Assam tea

  14. Gris scored this whisky 90 points Expert Senior

    I bought this little gem €150 at his release, when I see his price in auctions (minimum 750 €)… Given its high quality and excellent reviews, the next bottles of this collection were sold out in a few hours and their price was higher at their outset (for a lower quality). There are obviously not only real amateurs who have bought these bottles, hello speculation!

    At the original price, excellent value for money, an Highland Park that has the punch and sweetness at the same time. A nice balance all along! By the way, this box has a damn allure and always has its small effect when you put it on the table for your guests.

    Rhaaaa what sadness when this bottle of Highland Park Thor will be empty… but what beautiful moments it will have offered.http://www.justanotherdram.com/en/tasting-notes/highland-park-thor-2.html
    • Nose
      A nose of surprising sweetness, especially when you have a name like this one, very pleasant on yellow fruit aromas with a hint of honey. The smoke of the peat then appears with earthy notes. This mix of sweetness and power is perfect.
    • Taste
      Here it is the peat and its smoke that take the first place, but always leaving some place to the fruit aromas, starting with apples and pears. Always a note of vanilla with ginger and some spices on the finish.
    • Finish
      Long and fruity, again in a subtle blend with spices and smoke.

  15. Gris scored this whisky 90 points Expert Senior

    To say that I bought this little gem 150 € at the time, when I see what price it is bidding on the auction (have a high minimum 750 €) ...
    At the original rate, excellent value for money, a Highland Park that has the punch and sweetness at a time. A nice balance all along! Then, we must say what is, this box has a damn mouth and always has its small effect when it is released.
    Rhaaaa what sadness when this bottle will be empty ... but what beautiful moments it will have offered.
    • Nose
      A nose of surprising sweetness, especially when you wear a name like this, very pleasant on yellow fruit aromas with a hint of honey. The smoke of the peat then appears with earthy notes. This mix of sweetness and power is perfect in the genre.
    • Taste
      Here it is the peat and its smoke which take the first place, but always leaving their place with the fruit aromas, starting with apples and pears. Always a note of vanilla but to which are added ginger and some spices on the finish.
    • Finish
      Long and fruity, again in a subtle blend with spices and smoke.

  16. ctu scored this whisky 88 points Connoisseur

    Highly overpriced HP, but strong, complex. When you see the price, it's like Thor slap your head with his hammer. :)
    • Nose
      Honey, caramel, vanilla, oak. Fruits, flowers, citruses, earth. Salty air.
    • Taste
      Strong, sweet, spicy. Pepper, caramel, honey, nutmeg, ginger and marzipan. Matured oak.
    • Finish
      Long, bittersweet, spicy.

  17. Lord of Orkney scored this whisky 88 points Expert Junior

    • Nose
      88 88
    • Taste
      87 87
    • Finish
      89 89

  18. peatbogger scored this whisky 88 points Specialist

    Tasted after Viking Legends tour at HP.
    • Nose
      85 85
    • Taste
      89 89
    • Finish
      88 88

  19. Falnor scored this whisky 84 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      84 84
    • Taste
      85 85
    • Finish
      84 84

  20. Waykid scored this whisky 87 points Expert Senior

    The only bottle of Valhalla collection that I actually purchased. Very siffable and good, though no classic and nothing incredible. The same with the whole series - decent whiskys Loki and Freya also Odin, Loki was IMO the best. I had in mind to buy Odin, for Odin is Odin - but the price... come on!

  21. AH Whiskyvitrine scored this whisky 89 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      88 88
    • Taste
      88 88
    • Finish
      89 89

  22. dram-drinker scored this whisky 89 points Photo Moderator

    Very good, but more can be expected at this price
    • Nose
      Oak, vanilla, ripe bananas, nutty, little sea breeze
    • Taste
      Oily and liquorice, oaky, rather dry
    • Finish
      Long and burning, a tad bitter in the end

  23. dram-drinker scored this whisky 89 points Photo Moderator

    • Nose
      91 91
    • Taste
      87 87
    • Finish
      89 89

  24. recursiewhisky scored this whisky 89 points Expert Senior

    A very fruity and powerful Highland park with a surprisingly good complexity and layers of aroma. It doesn’t give away it’s true character that easily but spending some time with this dram is very rewarding. If you ever get a change to taste this: go for it!!

    http://www.worldwhisky.nl/review-331-highland-park-thor-16-years/
    • Nose
      A powerful, rich, layered and complex whisky with aroma’s of sweet honey, fresh fruits, gooseberries, grapefruit, melon, soft oak, redcurrant, pear, red apples, slightly tangy green apples, toffee, dried fruits, mild sherry, stem ginger, new leather, malt, prunes, raisins, sweet tobacco, barley sugars, vanilla, subtle peat & smoke, banana, peach, soft earthy tones and a hint of sea salt.
    • Taste
      A strong, powerful, busy, full bodied and complex whisky with aroma’s of sweet ginger, vanilla, white pepper, soft tannins, dry oak, mango, blackberries, apricot, peach, marmalade, orange peels, earth tones, hint of star anise, toffee, marzipan, cherry, pear, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, quince jelly, subtle honey, custard, butter, lemon peel, soft lingering smoke, nuts, spicy oak, marmite and sticky toffee pudding.
    • Finish
      A long and spicy finish with aroma’s of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, fresh ground black pepper, soft bitter tannins, vanilla, hint of smoke, powerful oak, cocoa and grape skins.

  25. dram-drinker scored this whisky 89 points Photo Moderator

    Wood, honey, a bit leathery and a tad bitterness. OK to drink but Odin is still my favorite.

  26. Peter87 scored this whisky 89 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      89 89
    • Taste
      89 89
    • Finish
      88 88

  27. jnsllngvr scored this whisky 89 points Member Junior

    Highland park is my absolute favorite
    • Nose
      89 89
    • Taste
      88 88
    • Finish
      88 88

  28. John Barleycorn did not rate this whisky Connoisseur

    Distillery Tasting Notes

    Nose: Concentrated and forceful, with an explosion of
    aromatic smoke, pungent fresh ginger, antique copper, stewed plums, and golden
    syrup. With water, earthy notes emerge, like a garden after a heavy rain
    shower.

    Palate: Thor’s high strength grabs the palate and refuses to
    let go. Initially dry, with fiery gingerbread then vanilla, blackberries, fresh
    mango, peach and hints of cinnamon. As its big flavours swirl around the mouth,
    some softer, sweeter notes develop, giving Thor and unexpected layer of
    complexity and depth.

    Finish: The finish thunders on, leaving behind lingering
    notes of sweet vanilla and an intense spiciness.

  29. Cast Olila scored this whisky 89 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      88 88
    • Taste
      89 89
    • Finish
      90 90

  30. MrBoazack scored this whisky 90 points Member Senior

    • Nose
      92 92
    • Taste
      89 89
    • Finish
      89 89

  31. GLEN MAUR scored this whisky 90 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      89 89
    • Taste
      90 90
    • Finish
      90 90

  32. Malt Hans scored this whisky 86 points Connoisseur

    Malty and fruity aroma, grapefruit, ripe

    melon, cinnamon, toffee, cold coffee and tea leaves. Marzipan sweet

    taste, orange marmalade, ginger, pepper, peat, anise, malt and toffee.

    Medium long, malty and herbal end.

  33. Edwin de Lange scored this whisky 93 points Expert Senior

    A great expression!

  34. Dr.Nose scored this whisky 88 points Expert Senior

    Unfortunately, very expensive ... My advice: Skip the wooden package!
    • Nose
      Combination of coastal influences (salty), little bit smoky and candied fruit. A little bit later some more characteristics of wood.
    • Taste
      Just for a moment sharp, but then immediately a surprising taste of sweetness, smoke and many spices.
    • Finish
      Long and spicy.

  35. Erik Elixir scored this whisky 87 points Connoisseur

    N: sweet, sherry, fruity, tobacco, melon and honey
    T: pear, light cherry - cassis, cinnamon and nutmeg
    F: spicy, again the cinnamon and nutmeg
    tasted with Dramclub of DH17

  36. WhiskyNotes scored this whisky 90 points Expert Senior

    This is not just a nice packaging, it's a rather fruity Highland Park, mixed nicely with some peat smoke and spices. It's certainly a different style of HP but a lovely one. If you ask me this Valhalla Collection started off in a much better way than the previous trilogy already. It's not all positive news though as it's way overpriced, so in that respect I would have dropped the wooden frame.
    • Nose
      The first thing that strikes me is its sweetness (as I don't associate sweetness to a God like Thor). I get peach jam, stewed yellow plums, vanilla, barley sugars. Candied ginger. Over time the peatiness and sooty smoke move forward. I like this combination a lot, it's fresh and relatively powerful at the same time.
    • Taste
      Punchy, with a more earthy kick of peat and smoke, but it retains this sweet coating of candied apples and pear candy. Quince jelly. Hints of cassis even. Dollops of honey. Vanilla biscuits. A faint salty twist.
    • Finish
      Long, still fruity (citrus) and subtle spices. Still a hint of smoke in the very end.

       

  37. Drochaid scored this whisky 88 points Connoisseur

    A concentrated, powerful taste, surrounded by wild waves of smoky aroma. This whisky attracts all attention from the first sip. Its intensity enchants the palate and does not let it go. As these full flavors spread through the mouth, smoother, sweeter notes can develop, giving Thor an unexpected complexity and depth. The powerful taste impressions have a long lasting effect and leave an aura of power and promise. ****************** Tasting Notes Appearance: Rich amber, with an iron ore glowNose: Concentrated and forceful, with an explosion of aromatic smoke, fresh pungent ginger, antique copper, stewed plums, and golden syrup. With water, earthy notes emerging, like a garden after a heavy rain shower. Palate: Thor's high strength grabs the palate and refuses to let go. Initially dry, with fiery gingerbread then vanilla, blackberries, fresh mango, peach and hints of cinnamon. The rich thunders on, leaving behind lingering notes of sweet vanilla and intense spiciness. http://www.highlandpark.co.uk/the-tasting-room/valhalla-collection/thor

  38. saintjimmy scored this whisky 89 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      tropical fruits. Banana. Bublicious. A hint of ginger and thyme
    • Taste
      baked banana with icing sugar. Fresh lemons and ginger.
    • Finish
      fresh and lingering. With notes of cinnamon and nuttmeg.

  39. tamriel scored this whisky 89 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      85 85
    • Taste
      91 91
    • Finish
      89 89

  40. QuarterCentury did not rate this whisky Connoisseur

    The beginning of a new range of four whiskies from Highland Park, The
    Valhalla Collection, showing off Orkney`s ancient links with Scandinavia
    and the distillery`s love of history. First up is Thor, God of Thunder
    and alleged architect of the Cliffs of Yesnaby on the west coast of
    Orkney Mainland. It`s a 16-year-old whisky bottled at a full proof of
    52.1% ABV.

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