Scapa 19 Years Old 2003 Vintage Edition (TWE)

Bottled by The Whisky Exchange, this Scapa, a 19 year old release from 2003 and bottled at 56.7%. Opened in 1885 by two Glasgow blenders overlooking Scapa Flow near Kirkwall, Scapa is Orkney's unpeated island malt. A long fermentation of up to seventy hours draws out the fruity esters at its heart.

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. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a creamy honeyed sweetness. Long ageing brings an oily depth, candied tropical fruit and a mellow maritime note. A gentle, unhurried maturation suits the soft, honeyed Scapa character. 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. Scapa sits a mile from Highland Park, yet makes a wholly unpeated, honeyed malt.

Undiluted at 56.7%, it is layered. The refill oak lending honey and vanilla runs under orchard fruit and salt air. A tropical fruit and a faint sea salt give it real lift. The finish runs soft, fruity and warm. This is a honeyed malt from the shore of Scapa Flow.