Scapa 13 Years Old 2005 (Distillery Labels)

This Scapa was from the independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail, aged 13 year old from 2005 and bottled at 43%. Set overlooking Scapa Flow near Kirkwall, Scapa has distilled since 1885. Water comes from the Lingro Burn, piped to keep the spirit free of peat.

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. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, gentle American oak beneath the fruit. Past a decade the honey deepens into tropical fruit, vanilla and a soft spice. Years in oak round the spirit, the honey and tropical fruit deepening with age. 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. Scapa Flow saw the German High Seas Fleet scuttled in the summer of 1919.

At an approachable 43% it is soft and balanced. The refill oak lending honey and vanilla, with heather honey and orchard fruit. The mouthfeel is oily, the honey carried on a creamy body. A warming, honeyed finish lingers. This is a creamy island malt of real depth.