Origin: Orkney (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 48%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex bourbon first fill
Chillfiltered: No
Added colouring: Yes
Owner: Pernod Ricard
Average price: € 130.00
Official website: www.scapawhisky.com
After the 10 year old, here is another element of Scapa’s new core range, which has brought back a discontinued age statement from 2015 (tasted here), resurrecting it in 2024 with the same maturation but a stronger ABV than the original minimum.
Expectations, given the quality of the new 10-year-old, are quite high.
Tasting Notes
Between tropical fruit, butter, and custard, there is enough on the nose to leave no doubt about the maturation. Plenty of soft warmth balanced by acidic and maritime tones, with the ABV that, at least initially, ruffles the aromas a bit. Pineapple, mango, ripe peach, apricot, butter biscuits, lemon cream, and granola intertwine with yellow plums, sugared almonds, white grapes, and a pinch of spices (white pepper, nutmeg), crossed by a faint, coastal vein. On the finish, acacia honey, caramel pudding, and malt. The addition of water smooths out every rough edge, including the maritime and spicy notes, allowing the pastry and fruit to come to the fore. Full without water, easy-drinking with the addition.
On the palate, the alcohol strength comes across as a bit aggressive, throwing off the balance of the flavors, which feel not very well defined and overwhelmed by the spices. Water is definitely necessary, restoring the fullness of the undiluted nose, which manages to bring together the sweet components with the rougher, more acidic ones, for an intriguing and engaging sip. A soft, seductive side (white and tropical fruit, baked pastries, panna cotta) dances with a sharper, savory one (white pepper, nutmeg, salted chocolate, coffee, lime, white currant), piquant caresses that invite you to take another sip, leaving a trace of salt on the lips.
Long and very salty finish, with spices, citrus fruits, white fruit, lemon curd, licorice root and wood.
Review: I don’t understand the choice of the ABV; at 46% it would probably have been perfect, whereas like this it requires the addition of water to bring out the strength of the spirit. A lovely dram, although it could do with a bit of tweaking to suit your own taste.
Vote: 86/100