Review: Scapa 16 Year Old Scotch Whisky
Scapa is a relatively small outfit on Orkney Island, which is why Scapa gets to put the awesome word "Orcadian" on its label.
Inside the bottle is a 16-year-old Scotch, which replaces the distillery's 14-year single malt (which, in turn, replaced the distillery's 12-year-old). Scapa's just a one-whisky outfit, it seems.
This is a racy whisky, with a rye, grain-like character. A touch of peat smoke fades into a modest butterscotch sweetness, touched with notes of sage and black pepper. Scapa is made with local water that smells of heather, which certainly accounts for some of the greenery notes in the glass, but it's the briny salt that comes on strong in the finish that reminds one that this is an island whisky at heart.
Sweet and salty in one glass? You bet. It's a lively expression... but one which might drive whisky traditionalists into fits. Definitely one to try at least once. You'll either run away immediately or be back for more in minutes. 80 proof.
B+ / $75 / scapamalt.com
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January 2nd, 2010 - 10:04
Where can I buy Scapa in Richmond, VA?
January 27th, 2010 - 13:49
My friend gave me a glass of Scapa to try this last weekend.
Wow, I really loved it.
Self note: I have tried several different scotch brands, and this is my new (below $100/bottle) favorite.