Scapa 1963 (G&M)

This is a Scapa single malt, chosen and bottled by Gordon & MacPhail from 1963 and bottled at 40%. Set on the Orkney coast a mile from Highland Park, Scapa has distilled since 1885. A long fermentation of up to seventy hours draws out the fruity esters at its heart.

It was drawn off a wide necked Lomond still that lends a creamy, oily weight, for a honeyed, tropical spirit with a maritime edge. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, lending honey and vanilla. Without an age statement, the malt is soft, fruity and well rounded. The oily texture from the Lomond still carries cask flavour beautifully. Island maturation by the sea lends a faint salt air to the honeyed spirit. 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.

At 40% it is clean and honeyed. A gentle vanilla and coconut from the wood runs under orchard fruit and salt air. A tropical fruit and a faint sea salt give it real lift. A warming, honeyed finish lingers. This is a honeyed malt from the shore of Scapa Flow.