Master Gordon Motion steps down from Highland Park.

After nearly three decades shaping the character of Highland Park whisky, Gordon Motion has announced his retirement as Master Whisky Maker. His departure marks the end of a 27-year tenure at the Orkney-based distillery, where he played a pivotal role in expanding the single malt portfolio and introducing landmark releases such as the 56-year-old expression and Highland Park’s first cask strength and global travel retail offerings

Whisky Maker Gordon Motion retires from Highland Park

Motion began his career with Edrington in 1998, initially assisting the whisky quality manager before rising to master blender in 2008. Since 2018, his focus narrowed exclusively to Highland Park, where he became known for his meticulous blending style and deep understanding of the distillery’s stocks. Reflecting on his career, Motion cited the rise of single malts as the most transformative trend in the industry, noting that it challenged him to innovate while preserving Highland Park’s distinctive flavor profile.

To honor his legacy, Highland Park has released a limited-edition 19-year-old single malt named Sherry Skies. Crafted from nine hand-selected casks — three first-fill European oak sherry quarter casks, three first-fill American oak quarter casks, and three first-fill bourbon casks — the whisky showcases the sherried sweetness and subtle smoke that defined Motion’s tenure. Bottled at 48.8% ABV and priced at £265, only 1,200 bottles are available through the distillery, its flagship store, and online.

New Whisky Maker at Highland Park Marc Watson

Motion’s successor, Marc Watson, steps into the role with over 11 years of industry experience, including recent positions as master blender for The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt. Watson has spent the past six months working alongside Motion to immerse himself in Highland Park’s aged stocks and flavor DNA. He brings a reputation for precision and creativity, having previously earned the Icons of Whisky Distillery Manager of the Year award.

Watson expressed admiration for Highland Park’s “different by nature” ethos and emphasized his commitment to maintaining the brand’s award-winning quality while introducing his own creative vision. Motion, in turn, voiced confidence in Watson’s ability to carry the distillery forward, describing him as the ideal custodian of Highland Park’s legacy

As Highland Park enters a new chapter, Sherry Skies serves as both a tribute and a transition — a farewell dram that encapsulates Motion’s craftsmanship and the distillery’s enduring spirit.

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