Thorfinn is the flagship in Highland Park’s Warrior Series. While it officially gets its name from Thorfinn, one of the most powerful Earls of Orkney from when the Vikings ruled the Orkney Islands, it could also be named for Kirkwall’s Thorfinn Lane just down the road from the distillery. We jest, of course, but this is a powerful single malt with a warm and welcoming nose. Notes of nutmeg, cedar smoke, Manuka honey, cilantro/coriander, vanilla, mango, and papaya notes have an excellent balance and wonderful aroma. The mouthfeel is thick, oily, and chewy – starting off with a balance of fruitiness and ginger followed by spice and wood as clove and oak notes kick in with a slight touch of beef broth. The finish is very long with lingering clove and oak balanced by a touch of dark chocolate in the background. Extremely complex and well-balanced. (May, 2017)