Duncan Taylor has revealed the details of its new Highland Park bottling. Said to be the oldest Highland Park expression ever released by an independent bottler, the whisky has an impressive age statement of 54 Years Old.

The bottling has been released as the first edition of the Accolade, part of Duncan Taylor’s Rarest Collection. The single cask, which has produced 158 bottles, has been held in Duncan Taylor’s vaults since it was distilled in 1970.

The whisky was held in a sherry-seasoned oak cask for the whole of its 54-year maturation period. Duncan Taylor said that the balance of the cask selection with the peated whisky creates a “complex interplay of sweet and smoky flavour” in the Accolade bottling.

CEO Shawn Smith commented: “This is the last collection for our rare and aged whiskies this year. It is an honour to launch one of the oldest Highland Park whiskies to reach the market and present it within the luxurious packaging befitting the rare spirit inside.”

The Accolade’s presentation emphasises luxury, with a “dagger” decanter, copper plinth, certificate of authenticity, and handling kit including gloves, all held within a cabinet.

Duncan Taylor recently released its Rarest Reserve collection, two decades-old expressions presented in gold bars. 

The Accolade Highland Park is bottled at 42.9% ABV and priced at £22,000, available via the Spirits Embassy.