Scapa 23 Years Old 1965 Cask #2879 (Moon-Import)

Moon-Import bottled this Scapa single malt, aged 23 year old from 1965, drawn from cask 2879 and bottled at 46%. Only 240 bottles were released. Set on the shore of Scapa Flow on Orkney, Scapa has distilled since 1885. It overlooks Scapa Flow, the anchorage where the German fleet was scuttled in 1919.

It was worked through a Lomond still and an onion still for body and fruit, for the creamy, honeyed make Scapa is known for. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, gentle American oak beneath the fruit. At this age it is rich and rounded, the fruit folded into a honeyed, waxy body. A gentle, unhurried maturation suits the soft, honeyed Scapa character. 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. Its rare Lomond wash still, plates removed, gives a creamy, oily spirit through heavy copper contact.

At 46% it is clean and honeyed. A creamy, honeyed sweetness sit alongside a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. A tropical fruit and a faint sea salt give it real lift. A long, creamy finish carries a maritime lift. This is Scapa's soft, maritime Orkney style.