Highland Park Valkyrie

The Valkyrie is the first release in the new series 'Viking Legends' from Highland Park (2018 will see the release of the Valknut - 2019 will see the release of the Valhalla). Jim Lyngvild, an expert in Norse mythology, designed the logo. It is an homage to the Valkyrie, the shield maidens of Odin, who offered their god mead from a horn. Anyway, just to show how busy the boys and girls of HP’s marketing department have been in the last few months, underlying HP’s link with the Vikings.

To be honest, the nose starts off rather sharp with a touch of rubber. Luckily that evaporates somewhat quickly to make room for all kinds of white and yellow fruit. Think apples, pears, peach and a thick fat hint of white chocolate. Some honey and a touch of smoke. All in all pleasant enough, but not earth shattering by far.

The arrival is fine, as is the strength. But on the palate, it is a lot less fruity than the nose promised. Peat and woodsmoke – in collaboration with pepper, nutmeg and some licquorice – give him some spicy character. While still sufficiently sweet, it is not fruity. Rather some tobacco, smoked meat, caramel and honey.

The finish is rather short and it turn very dry as if from chili, wood shavings and oak.

Not bad, but not ’60 EUR good’ either, in all honesty.

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