Highland Park MIDWINTER SOCIAL at The Old Truman Brewery

By Adam Friday 25th Nov, 2016

Last night some of the team enjoyed an evening with Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky, at The Boiler House in The Old Truman Brewery for their Midwinter Social.

The evening was to celebrate an important time of year in the Nordic calendar, Winter Solstice, which marks the shortest day of the year.

What does this have to do with anything? Well, Highland Park’s home on Orkney, makes them one of the most remote Scotch whisky distilleries in the world, almost touching Scandinavia, thus the ’Orkney Single Malt with Viking Soul’ theme took over the Brick Lane venue.

Typically Solstice is celebrated with bonfires, drinks, music and dancing all shared with friends. The Boiler House on Brick Lane brought this to life with loads of stations.

So most importantly, let’s start with the drinks. Highland Park’s notorious 12 year Old, the expression that started it all, was the main drink served on the night. In a rather romantic setting, the smoky-sweet Scotch was explained to us by Global Ambassador Martin Markvardsen around an open fire pit. Martin is a real character and it’s worth going just to listen to him talk about whisky. Whisky tasting classes seemed to take place every 30 minutes and included in your ticket price.

If you leave the pit inspired and you’re after further authenticity, there’s also a chance to meet the Highland Park distillery workers from Orkney, too!

& don’t worry, if you’re not ready for it neat, they are serving cocktails. The Midwinter Glow cocktail comes highly recommended, which is a mix of Highland Park 12yr, lemon Juice, elderflower cordial and soda served in a high-ball.

We are foodies so one of the highlights of the night is the Nordic inspired food curated by Root + Bone – we had the pork belly burger with chive potatoes. It was so good…

On the night we enjoyed music from Kipps followed by a set by DJ Finnebassen – all streamed live to audience watching at home on Facebook.

Rash and I then found the interactive photo, named “bothy” which is always worth a stop for a giggle & made for some good insta story fun.

But that was yesterday and you want to know about tonight! Well, it’s pretty much the same schedule as last night except for the fact that the sought after DJ Eelke Kleijn will be on the decks instead.

I recommend wrapping up warm to enjoy the outside area, because it’s worth going to the fire pit at the very least!

Doors open at 6.30pm tickets are £10 here

Visit: highlandpark.co.uk