Scapa 31 Years Old 1990 Cask #4745 (Connoisseurs Choice)

Bottled by Gordon & MacPhail, this Scapa, a 31 year old Orkney malt from 1990, drawn from cask 4745 and bottled at 60.3%. Only 186 bottles were released. Scapa was built in 1885 on the Orkney coast a mile from Highland Park, and it stands as Orkney's quieter, softer distillery. Its wash still is a rare Lomond still, the plates long removed, giving a creamy, oily spirit through heavy copper contact.

It was drawn off a wide necked Lomond still that lends a creamy, oily weight, for a honeyed, tropical spirit with a maritime edge. Maturation in Oloroso sherry laid dried fruit over the honeyed malt. Decades leave it deep and oxidative, honeyed wax and candied fruit with a salt air lift. Island maturation by Scapa Flow lends a faint salt air note as the whisky breathes.

At a full 60.3% it is intense yet honeyed. The Oloroso brings dried fruit, fig and a nutty depth, and a gentle vanilla and coconut from the wood, with pear, banana and a gentle spice. The texture is creamy and oily, the fruit lifted by honey. A long, creamy finish carries a maritime lift. This is a creamy, unpeated Orkney single malt.