Highland Park whisky was founded in 1798, when Magnus “Mansie” Eunson obtained the first licence to make whisky at the site in Orkney, Scotland.
Some historical sources also note that the first official distilling licence was granted in 1826, even though production and illicit distilling at the site date back earlier.
So the commonly cited founding year for Highland Park is 1798.
Highland Park is one of Scotland’s most historic and respected single malt whisky producers, with origins dating back to the late 18th century. Founded in 1798 in Kirkwall, on the Orkney Islands, the distillery began as a small-scale operation led by Magnus “Mansie” Eunson, a church officer by day and illicit distiller by night. Over time, his craft evolved into a formally recognized distilling operation, helping establish what would become a globally renowned whisky brand.
The official licensing of the distillery came in 1826, marking its transition from informal production to a legitimate commercial enterprise. This early history is part of what gives Highland Park its unique character and heritage. The remote Orkney location plays a significant role in shaping the whisky’s identity, as the environment influences both the ingredients and the maturation process.