Highland Park Magnus 750ML

Highland Park Magnus 750ML is a non-age-statement single malt Scotch whisky from Orkney, Scotland, bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof). Named after the distillery's founder Magnus Eunson, this expression earned a Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 87 points from Whisky Advocate, establishing it as a respected entry into the Highland Park range.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 Proof)  |  Origin: Orkney Islands, Scotland  |  NAS (Non-Age Statement)  |  Distillery: Highland Park, est. 1798

Production & Heritage

Highland Park Distillery has operated since 1798 in Kirkwall on the Orkney Islands, making it one of the northernmost whisky distilleries in Scotland. Magnus is distilled from 100% malted barley — approximately 20% of which is peated to around 20 parts per million phenol using Orkney heathered peat sourced from Hobbister Moor. The spirit matures in a combination of sherry-seasoned American oak casks and refill bourbon barrels, with a notably high proportion of sherry-seasoned wood driving much of the flavor profile. Because Orkney has no trees, its peat is composed entirely of moss and heather, producing a lighter, more aromatic smoke character that distinguishes Highland Park from mainland peated malts.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Honeysuckle and vanilla rise first, followed by warm bread dough and faint aromatic wood smoke. There is a subtle heathery quality underneath — fragrant rather than aggressive, with gentle floral sweetness.

Taste: The entry is slightly smoky with orchard fruit notes, moving into sultanas, ripe cherries, and lemon at mid-palate. Vanilla sponge cake, caramelized pineapple, and cinnamon build toward a honeyed peak, with ginger and a light brininess adding complexity.

Finish: Medium to long, with drying fruit notes, wood spice, and a lingering thread of licorice. The heathery peat smoke returns gently at the tail end, leaving a clean and aromatic close.

How to Drink Magnus

Magnus drinks well neat at room temperature, where the aromatic peat and sherry-cask sweetness are most expressive. A few drops of water can open up the honeysuckle and fruit notes further without diminishing the smoke. Its balanced profile also works in cocktails: try it in a Penicillin, where the heathery smoke complements the honey-ginger syrup beautifully; in a Rob Roy, where the sherry-cask sweetness harmonizes with sweet vermouth; or in a Blood and Sand, where its fruit-forward mid-palate and gentle smoke play well against cherry liqueur and orange juice.

Best For

• Introducing a friend to lightly peated single malt Scotch
• Building a home bar's core Scotch collection
• After-dinner sipping alongside dessert
• Gifting a whisky enthusiast exploring Orkney malts

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Highland Park Magnus taste like? Magnus delivers honeyed sweetness, orchard fruit, vanilla, and cinnamon layered over a subtle, aromatic heathery peat smoke. The finish is medium-long with drying fruit and licorice.

How does Magnus compare to Highland Park 12? Both share Highland Park's signature heathered peat character, but reviewers consistently note that Magnus leans more toward lemon and vanilla while the 12-year carries more pronounced orange notes, deeper peat, and added complexity from its longer stated maturation. The 12-year also carries a slightly higher ABV at 43%.

Is Magnus good for beginners? Magnus is an excellent starting point for anyone curious about peated Scotch, as its smoke is aromatic and restrained rather than heavy or medicinal, and the sherry-cask sweetness provides an approachable balance.

Where is Highland Park Magnus made? Magnus is produced at Highland Park Distillery in Kirkwall on the Orkney Islands, off the northern coast of mainland Scotland. The distillery has been in operation since 1798 and sources its distinctive heathered peat from nearby Hobbister Moor.

What foods pair well with Magnus? Smoked salmon works naturally alongside the whisky's briny, smoky character. Aged cheddar or Gruyère complement the vanilla and caramel notes. Dark chocolate echoes the malt sweetness and gentle spice. Honey-glazed roasted nuts mirror the honeysuckle and heather tones. Apple tart or pear galette pairs well with the orchard fruit profile.

What sizes does Magnus come in? Highland Park Magnus is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Magnus worth the price? Magnus positions as an entry-level expression within the Highland Park single malt range, sitting below the age-stated 12-year. For a non-age-statement Scotch offering genuine Orkney character and a Gold Medal pedigree from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, it represents strong value in its tier.

Why Magnus?

Highland Park is the only distillery in the world using Orkney heathered peat — composed entirely of moss and heather due to the islands' treeless landscape — and Magnus showcases that distinction at an accessible price point. The high proportion of sherry-seasoned American oak casks gives it a richer, sweeter base than many NAS releases in this category. Its 2019 Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 87-point rating from Whisky Advocate confirm that this is a serious single malt despite the lack of an age statement. For drinkers seeking the signature Highland Park balance of sweet and smoke without the commitment of the 12-year or older expressions, Magnus delivers an honest representation of what makes Orkney whisky unique.