Scottish Whiskey

  

Scottish Whiskey

SCAPA

Scottish Whiskey

This is one of only two distilleries on the Orkney Islands, the other being Highland Park. Built by a Speyside distiller John Townsend in 1885, Scapa was described by Alfred Barnard as one of the most complete little distilleries in the Kingdom'.

It stands on the north shore of Scapa Flow, where the German High Seas Fleet scuttled itself at the end of the First World War. For many years the shapes of the giant battle cruisers Hindenburg and Seidlitz could be seen beneath the waves with their imposing masts above the waves at low tide.

The total destruction of the distillery by fire during the First World War was averted with the assistance of naval ratings billeted in the district, who arrived by the boatload to assist in putting out the blaze. Scapa was acquired by Hiram Walker in 1954 and rebuilt five years later, incorporating a Lomond- style wash still.

Scottish Whiskey

The distillery has had extensive additions made to it over the years as demand fo( its product has grown; the area it covers has now expanded to some seven acres. Scapa is a key filling for the Ballantine blends, but is available as a single only from independent bottlers.

Scottish Whiskey

Allied Distilleries mothballed it in 1994, but hopes to be able to resume production in the future. It allows the independent whisky merchant, Gordon & Macphail, to bottle a small amount at 10 Years.

Scottish Whiskey

Tasting Notes

G&M @10 Years: Pale gold in colour, the nose is most unusual. The first impression is of old fashioned oilskins, then a hint of heather flowers, artichokes and bourbon emerges. The flavour begins dry with a slight tang, then sweetens with light toffee notes, even chocolate. Smooth texture and a firm, dry finish.

SMWS @ 15 Years (56%): A nose of wine and smoke with heavy toffee undertones. Watered, it became sweet and light and pefumed with azaleas or jasmine. The taste was sweet to start and dry to finish; an ideal breakfast whisky!



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