Scapa 10 Years Old 1985 Licensed Bottling (G&M)

Single malt Scapa, an independent Gordon & MacPhail bottling, a 10 year old from 1985 and bottled at 40%. Scapa was established in 1885 overlooking Scapa Flow near Kirkwall; it has made its honeyed island malt for well over a century. Scapa is one of the few distilleries still worked largely by hand.

Distilled through a rare Lomond wash still and an onion spirit still, with heavy copper contact, giving the oily, fruit driven spirit at its heart. First fill American oak held it, layering vanilla and honey over the fruit. Still young, the malt is honeyed and fruity with a gentle lift. A gentle, unhurried maturation suits the soft, honeyed Scapa character. The Lomond still is the only one of its kind still making Scotch whisky. Orkney's history runs back seven thousand years, from Neolithic times to Norse rule. The creamy, fruit forward style sets Scapa apart from its smoky island neighbours.

Bottled at 40%, it is rounded. The refill oak lending honey and vanilla runs under tropical fruit and a soft spice. It is smooth and deep, the fruit and honey well matched. Tropical fruit and a faint brine see out a long finish. This is a fruity, honeyed Orkney whisky.