NEW YORK, March 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Loki is one of the most complex characters in Norse mythology, regularly positioned as a trickster and often engaged in treachery and mischief. Highland Park Single Malt Scotch has released a whisky that bottles the characteristics of Loki while still celebrating the unique Highland Park house style.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130311/NY74531 )

The second release in The Valhalla Collection, a set of four unique whiskies, which take inspiration from the legendary Nordic gods of old, Loki continues the ground-breaking achievement that Thor began; a malt designed around the personality traits of an individual.  The Orkney whisky maker has now created a unique flavor profile for Thor's follow up – Loki, a 15 Years Old Single Malt.  While unquestionably Highland Park in style, the whisky mirrors the unpredictable, shape-shifting Loki character and as with the trickster god of fire himself, all is not as it seems.

There are classic traces of sweetness and spice, being matured in both traditional Spanish sherry casks as well as heavily peated casks, giving it a smoky punch, while retaining a light color. The finish is intriguing and complex.  A chameleon-like whisky, constantly changing from appearance to finish, the expert palates who have savored Loki describe it as, "enigmatic" and "truly another whisky of the gods."

Gerry Tosh, Global Marketing Manager says, "Thor was the first of its kind, a true quality malt built around an individual's personality. This proved massively successful and it sold out globally. Loki will continue to take Highland Park and The Valhalla Collection into new territory.

While everyone will recognize the definite 'Highland Park-ness' of this 15 Years Old Single Malt, it will be the unexpected and surprisingly smoky dynamics that will really get palates excited and mouths talking. This is unlike any expression that has come before and will beguile and fascinate with its complexity and trickery. Remember, all is not as it seems."

Highland Park Loki, a limited edition Single Malt bottled at 48.7% ABV, comes housed in the same unique and award-winning wooden frame as Thor, echoing the fearsome contours of a traditional Viking long ship.

Loki will be available in select whisky retailers, at the Highland Park distillery and on the Highland Park website at a SRP of $249. For more information on Loki and the Valhalla Collection, visit www.highlandpark.co.uk.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: A spirited lift of dried bitter orange which quickly turns into lemon peels. Cardamom notes trick then tease the nose, before an enticing hit of gingerbread develops.  With a touch of water, licorice and aromatic smoke are both unleashed.

Palate: The true shape-shifting ability of Loki springs to life on the palate: its waxy texture is amplified by an intense smoke that doesn't appear on the nose, shattering the light citrusy illusion of the aroma. All is not what it seems. The smoke fades as licorice and rich spiced apple flavors come out to play. Lemon and grapefruit are consistent throughout this elusive, yet intriguing character. With a touch of water, lingering notes of melted dark chocolate over spent embers leave a soft, smoky impression.

Finish: As Loki departs, he leaves behind toasted cloves, hickory smoke and soft vanilla. It is constantly changing, from appearance to finish. Loki is an enigma and truly another whisky of the gods.

Please enjoy our brand responsibly. www.drinkaware.co.uk; www.highlandpark.co.uk

For more information, please contact:
Jaclyn Sisbarro
M Booth
Jaclyns@MBooth.com
212-539-3287

Rebecca Stein
M Booth
RebeccaS@MBooth.com
212-539-3283

About Highland Park
Established in 1798 on Orkney, Highland Park is one of the most remote Scotch whisky distilleries in the world. For over 200 years, the distillery has combined time old tradition and the very best craftsmanship to achieve perfection. Its range of 12, 15, 18, 21, 25, 30 and 40 year old single malts is consistently acclaimed by connoisseurs and experts.  Highland Park has won a string of prestigious awards across its portfolio, most recently including category winner at the 2011 World Whisky Awards for its 25-year-old single malt and 'Best Whisky in the World 2009' for its 21-year-old expression in the World Whisky Awards, as well as four double gold awards in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2009.

Five keystones contribute to making the Best Spirit in the World:

• Hand-turned malt adds to the deliciously succulent, balanced layers of aromatic character found in Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Aromatic peat gives a delectably seductive, luxuriant floral sweetness to Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Cool maturation enhances the smooth character of Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Sherry oak casks contribute to the distinctive richness and multi-dimensional complexity of Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Cask harmonization ensures consistency and balance in Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky

About Remy Cointreau USA, Inc.
Established in 1981, Remy Cointreau USA is a subsidiary of Remy Cointreau, SA, and is charged with importing and distributing an extensive portfolio of premium and ultra-premium spirits and wines.  Headquartered in New York City, Remy Cointreau USA imports and distributes products within the United States from the full range of the wine and spirits spectrum, including cognacs, brandies, liqueurs, scotches, rums, champagnes and both still and sparkling wines.  Exclusive brands include Remy Martin® Cognac, Cointreau® Liqueur, The Macallan® Scotch Whisky, The Famous Grouse® Scotch Whisky, Highland Park® Scotch Whisky, Cutty Sark® Blended Scotch Whisky, Mount Gay® Rum, Brugal® Rum, Metaxa® Greek Liqueurs, Champagne Piper-Heidsieck®, Champagne Charles Heidsieck®, Domaine du Grollet and Bearboat® Wines, and Piper Sonoma® Sparkling Wines.

*Highland Park 18 year old was named Best Spirit in the World by American drinks expert Paul Pacult in Top 115 Spirits, Spirit Journal 2009 and 2005

SOURCE Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky