Scapa 17 Years Old 2005 Cask #486 (Connoisseurs Choice)

A Scapa single malt, selected and bottled by Gordon & MacPhail, a 17 year old from 2005, drawn from cask 486 and bottled at 55.3%. Just 196 bottles were filled. Scapa was founded in 1885 on the shore of Scapa Flow on Orkney; it still distils on Orkney under Pernod Ricard. Mothballed in 1994, the distillery was revived and fully restored by Pernod Ricard in 2005.

It was worked through a Lomond still and an onion still for body and fruit, for the creamy, honeyed make Scapa is known for. Ex-Bourbon casks held the spirit, soft oak that lets the fruit lead. Mid age brings a deeper honey and a riper tropical note. First fill American oak suits the make, layering vanilla and honey over the fruit. It is one of the few distilleries still worked largely by hand. Founded in 1885, it is the second oldest distillery on Orkney after Highland Park. Island maturation by the sea lends a faint salt air to the honeyed spirit.

At 55.3%, undiluted, it is deep and creamy. Honeyed vanilla and ripe fruit meet a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. Soft orchard fruit and vanilla sit behind the sweetness. Pear, honey and oak draw out the close. This is the gentle, unpeated face of Orkney whisky.