Sips & Sites & Bites

There’s something both comforting and a little thrilling about a whisky distillery with more than two centuries of tradition handing the baton to a fresh new voice. That’s exactly what’s happening at Highland Park this summer, as the Orkney-based icon says a heartfelt farewell to longtime Master Whisky Maker Gordon Motion and welcomes his successor, Marc Watson, into the role.

After 27 years shaping Highland Park’s award-winning portfolio, Gordon is hanging up his nosing glass … but not before leaving one final, flavorful gift: Sherry Skies, a 19-year-old limited-edition single malt that captures his signature love of sherried whisky and the thoughtful blending style he’s become known for.

“I’ve sampled hundreds of thousands of casks in my career,” Gordon reflects, “but these nine … six seasoned with sherry in Jerez and three ex-bourbon … delivered something really special.” And he’s not exaggerating. Sherry Skies is all warm spice, rich dried fruit, toasted oak, and a gentle thread of Orkney’s signature heathered peat smoke. It’s bold, balanced, and unmistakably Highland Park. Only 1,200 bottles are out there, and they’ll likely go fast.

While Gordon steps away with a well-earned dram in hand, the future of Highland Park is now in the capable hands of Marc Watson, who’s stepping into the role of Master Whisky Maker after 11 years in the industry and a resume that includes time as Master Blender for The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt. He also earned Icons of Whisky Distillery Manager of the Year, so yeah … he knows his way around a rickhouse.

Marc isn’t coming in cold, either. He’s spent the last six months working side-by-side with Gordon, learning the nuances of Highland Park’s whisky stocks and getting to know the rhythm of the distillery. “I’ve always admired Highland Park’s different-by-nature approach,” Marc says. “There’s so much to build on, and I’m excited to bring my own creativity to the legacy Gordon helped shape.”

For fans of Highland Park, this changing of the guard marks a moment worth raising a glass to … honoring what’s come before, and welcoming what’s next. Whether you’re tracking down a bottle of Sherry Skies or just revisiting an old favorite, there’s never been a better time to get reacquainted with Orkney’s most distinctive single malt.

Sherry Skies – Quick Sip Specs:
🔹 Age: 19 Years
🔹 ABV: 48.8%
🔹 Flavors: Toasted oak, poached pear, clove, orange peel, sweet spice, and subtle heathered smoke
🔹 Availability: 1,200 bottles at Highland Park Distillery, Albert Street Store, and highlandparkwhisky.com

Here’s to Gordon, to Marc, and to the island that started it all.