Scapa
SCOTCH SINGLE MALT WHISKIES > S
SCAPA
15 years old
43 %
THE ULTIMATE SINGLE MALT
SCOTCH WHISKY SELECTION
Distilled 11.5.79
Bottled 6.94
Cask No. 3853
340 bottles
Van Wees, Amersfoort
SCAPA
9 years old
43 %
THE ULTIMATE SINGLE MALT
SCOTCH WHISKY SELECTION
Distilled 25.01.88
Bottled 2.97
Bourbon barrel
Cask No. 170
The Ultimate Whisky Company, N.L.
SCAPA
10 years old
43 %
ORCADIAN SINGLE MALT
By The Banks of The Lingro Burn
Taylor & Ferguson, Scapa Distillery,
St. Ola, Orkney
St. Ola, Orkney
In 1458 the 12 year old Princess Margaret of Denmark was betrothed to Scotland´s James. Unable to pay the dowry of 60,000 florins, her father pledged the Orkney Islands as surety, and they remain Scottish to this day.
SCAPA
12 years old
40 %
ORCADIAN SINGLE MALT
Scapa Distillery, Scapa Flow,
Orkney
SCAPA 23 years old
50%
THE OLD MALT CASK 50o
A Single Cask Bottling
Distilled March 1978
Bottled December 2001
Finished in Sherry Cask -
minimum 6 months
612 Bottles
No Chill Filtration
No Colouring
Douglas Laing & Co, Ltd,
Glasgow
SCAPA 25 years old
50%
THE OLD MALT CASK 50o
Single Cask Bottling
Distilled August 1975
Bottled June 2001
Matured in Sherry Cask
540 Bottles
No Chill Filtration
No Colouring
Douglas Laing & Co, Ltd,
Glasgow
SCAPA 15 years old
43 %
THE ULTIMATE SINGLE MALT
SCOTCH WHISKY SELECTION
Distilled 24.4.80
Cask no. 1472
Bottled 4.95
320 bottles
Genummerde flessen
Van Wees, Amersfoort
SCAPA 25 years old
40 %
Distilled 1966
Bottled 1991
Scapa Distillery, Orkney
Gordon & Macphail, Elgin
SCAPA 12 years old
40 %
Distilled 1979
Bottled 1991
Trademark of Proprietors:
Taylor & Ferguson Ltd, Scapa
Gordon & Macphail, Elgin
SCAPA 9 years old
LAST BOTTLE AND EMPTY
40 %
distilled 1983
Bottled 1992
Trademark of Proprietors:
Taylor & Feguson Ltd, Scapa
Gordon & Macphail, Elgin
SCAPA 10 years old
40 %
Distilled 1984
Bottled 1995
Trademark of Proprietors:
Taylor & Feguson, Scapa
Gordon & Macphail, Elgin
SCAPA
11 years old
40 %
Distilled 1985
Bottled 1996
Trademark of Proprietors:
Taylor & Ferguson Ltd, Scapa
Gordon & Macphail, Elgin
SCAPA
VINTAGE 1980
16 years old
43 %
Distilled 2.5.80
Bottled 9.96
Cask Nos. 12080 + 82
660 bottles
Signatory Vintage
Scotch Whisky Co, Ltd,
Edinburgh
SCAPA
9 years old
62.2 %
SINGLE CASK SCOTCH MALT WHISKY
Date distilled Sept 90
Date bottled Feb 00
Society Cask Code 17.18
215 bottles
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults, Leith, Edinburgh
'Bathing by a peat fire'
From the younger and less well known of the two Orkney distilleries, this dram is the colour of pale straw. The aroma is of lavender, honey, fruit pastilles and a subtle whiff of smoke. With water it becomes a Radox bath by a smoored peat fire. The taste is smoky, creamy and smooth, expanding pleasantly in the mouth and can easily be drunk neat. A fine example of a whisky that the Society has not bottled for a number of years.
SCAPA 12 years old
56,4%
GORDON & MACPHAIL
RESERVE
Distilled 1991
Cask No 3081
Bottled 2003
Limited Edition
211 Bottles
Trademark of Proprietors:
Taylor & Ferguson Ltd
Gordon & Macphail, Elgin
SCAPA 37 years old
45,6 %
SINGLE CASK SCOTCH
MALT WHISKY
Date Distilled Dec 65
Date Bottled Mar 03
Society Cask code 17.24
Outturn 115 Bottles
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults, Leith, Edinburgh
'Cherry lips and stately homes'.
It is unusual to find this whisky - 'the other Orkney Malt' - and unheard of to find a cask at this age. Although it comes from a American white oak hogshead, the colour after all these years is closer to what one would expect from a European cask - a glorious ploshed mahogany, with unrtones of black (this may have been the char). The first impression is of shellac and bay rum, with ripe peaches and over-ripe bananas, resolving into boiled sweets ('cherry lips' , to be precise), before becoming deliciously waxy, with expensive furniture polish.
The words 'stately home' came to mind. At full strenght the flavour is mild and delicious. Water brings up traces of vinegar (chip papers), although it remains fruity. The flavour is somewhat faded, with some sweetness and light acidity; still mouth cooling. It reminded one member of the panel of Elizabeth David's 'rose cream dessert'. Beware how much water you add to this delectable malt.
SCAPA
12 years old
40%
A SANCTUARY THROUGH
THE AGES
Bottled 2004
Single Malt Scotch Whisky
from The Islands of Orkney
The Scapa Distillery, Orkney
Orkney and the sea are entwined. This archipelago of around 70 islands and nine light¬houses - the name 'Orkney' includes them all - lies to the north of mainland Scotland.
Orkney's steadfast lighthouses mark the boundaries between islands and sea as much as between Atlantic and North Sea. In their midst lies Scapa Flow, an expanse of calm water ringed by islands of soft turf. This safe anchorage shelters modern seafarers, just as the islands once protected Norse warriors and Celtic nobles.
For those who stay, the price is a climate of endless variability - Orkney weather can go through the four seasons in a single day - with endless golden summer evenings when the sun barely dips below the horizon.
Into this safe haven in 1885 came the Scapa distillery, with its two small copper stills, sea - fresh Orcadian air and abundant fresh water.
From that unique mix of people, place, water and climate comes something you might not expect from an island malt - a whisky sweet and silky - smooth with a heather - honey taste.
Tranquil Scapa Flow with its gently matured amber whisky and resolute lighthouses is a place apart. It is the true spirit of Orkney.
SCAPA
Age 9 years
57.2 %
SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
FROM A SINGLE CASK
Distilled January 2002
Cask Type: Second Fill Hogshead / ex Bourbon
Outturn 247 Bottles
Society Single Cask No: 17.30
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults, Leith
Appletiser and rock salt
We, the tasting Panel, verify that the Scotch Malt Whisky inside this bottle has been
passed under some of the most scrupulous noses in the world and approved for re-
lease as a Society bottling.
Only single cask whiskies that promise to intrigue, entertain and delight our members
are selected, true to our motto: “To leave no nose upturned “.
Oily, buttery with saltu notes of vanilla, apple, fresh mint. Hot and sweet to taste but
leaving a delicate impression. Water brought forth distillery smells – washbacks, new make and courtyards, while it was soft, salty and fresh on the palate.
Oily and buttery with cream soda, fizzy vanilla. Dusty concrete, rock salt, apple soap,
Appletiser & ginger, fresh mint, and the heat of the still room.
Hot to taste – the alcohol packed a punch but rhubarb & custard sweets, candied fennel,
salt liquorice and an Oriental floral note made a delicate impression.
Water transported us to distilleries – active washbacks (outside in salty sea air). New
make spirit and courtyards : one Panellist had hot fresh salty pretzels, someone else a
hot handful of coppers, Soft, salty and fresh on the palate with apples, lychees, minerals
and new make.
From Orkney’s other distillery.
SCAPA
16 years old
40 %
"THE " ORCADIAN
SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
From The sanctuary of The Scapa Flow
The Scapa Distillery, Kirkwall, Orkney
From the ISLANDS of ORKNEY, A smooth & Full – Bodied Single Malt
Aged in Orkney for 16 years this Golden Malt delivers a sweet and silky – smooth heather
honey taste perfectly balanced with delicate spice
SCAPA
Age 9 years
56.4 %
SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
FROM A SINGLE CASK
Date Distilled 23 rd Jan 2002
Cask Type: Refill Barrel / Ex Bourbon
Outturn / One of only 189 Bottles
Society Single Cask No: 17.31
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults, Leith
"Salty minted bananas"
We, the tasting Panel, verify that the Scotch Malt Whisky inside this bottle has been
passed under some of the most scrupulous noses in the world and approved for re-
lease as a Society bottling.
Only single cask whiskies that promise to intrigue, entertain and delight our members
are selected, true to our motto: “To leave no nose upturned”.
Lovely deep aromas of mints, banoffee pie, melon , toffee popcorn, cherry pie, hot fuge
sauce; soft and juicy to taste with the minty banana notes remaining.
Adding water gave everything a salty edge with it being light and creamy to taste.
Fresh sweet aromas of Polo Mints, banoffee pie, honeydew melon, vanilla with the
richness of toffee popcorn, creamed butter, cherry pie, hot fudge sauce and crème
brulee made a lovely deep nose.
The taste retained those banana flavours with a minty floral note while it was juicy,
soft with a deep sweetness.
Adding water turned everything salty – salted chocolate fudge, salty banana toffee,
Brazil nuts.
Wrigley’s spearmint gum and fresh red cherries with coconut milk. Soft, juicy creamy
and light to taste with a metallic citric finish; while pleasant it did’t benefit from the
addition of water.
Named after the Orkney bay where it is situated
SCAPA
1 9 9 3
15 years old
40 %
Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky
Distilled 1993
35 cl
Trade Mark of Proprietors:
Taylor & Ferguson Ltd,
Scapa, Orkney
Specially Selected, Produced &
Bottled by Gordon & Macphail,
Elgin
SCAPA
2 0 0 0
12 years old
43 %
Orkney Single Highland Malt
Scotch Whisky
Distilled 2000
Bottled 2012
Trade Mark of Proprietors
Taylor & Ferguson Ltd,
Scapa, Orkney
Specially Selected
and under the Resposiblility
of Gordon & Macphail,
Elgin
SSCAPA
Aged 9 years
57.7 %
SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
FROM A SINGLE CASK
Date Distilled 23rd January 2002
Cask Type: Refill Barrel / Ex Bourbon
Outturn / One of 267 Bottles
Society Single Cask No. 17.33
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults, leith, Edinburgh
"Batlle for the Buds"
We, the Tasting Panel, verify that the Scotch Malt Whisky inside this bottle has been
passed under some of the most scrupulous noses in the world and approved for re –
lease as a Society bottling.
Only single cask whiskies that promise to intrigue, entertain and delight our members
are selected, true to our motto: “To leave no nose upturned “.
The nose had fruit aplenty with coconuts, raisins and tomatoes. White chocolate mice and
foam shrimps and bananas dominated the palate. Water brought jelly babies, heather
And rock pools as with toffee apples, peaches and papaya leading into a lon, lingering finish.
Rising out of rock pools, the tomatoes are coming ? Front line fruit ready for battle.
Backed up by coconuts, raisins and fruits from afar, they are ready to capture the
beach. Tomatoes fall back, the opposition are here ! Foam shrimps ride white choco –
late mice, throwing wine gums at the fruit. It starts to rain. What’s this ? An ambush !
The jelly babies, come surging through the heather and the machair ! They capture the
apples, covering them in molten toffee. The mangos, papayas and peaches are im –
prisoned in a can. The sweets have won this round, but the fruit will be back….just
take another sip ! The aromas of this whisky came thick and fast, a battle between
fruity notes and sweets. Rising out of rock pools, the tomatoes are coming ! They ‘
re backed up by coconuts, raisins and fruits from afar. Images of foam shrimps riding
white chocolate mice, throwing wine gums at the fruit came into our minds.
With water: an ambush! The panel envisioned jelly babies, come surging through the
heather and the machair ! Toffee apples, mangos, papayas and peaches from a can
counter attack before being swept aside by the sweets which dominate a lingering,
peaceful finish
SCASCAPA
Aged 11 years old
55,5 %
SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
FROM A SINGLE CASK
Date distilled: 23RD Jan 200
Cask type: 2nd Fill Hogshead / ex Bourbon
Society Single Cask: 17.34
Outturn: One of only 251 Bottles
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults, Leith, Edinburgh
"Seasine holiday dram"
We, the Tasting Panel, verify that the Scotch Malt Whisky inside this bottle has been
passed under some of the most scrupulous noses in the world and approved for re-
lease as a Society bottling.
Only single cask whiskies that promise to intrigue, entertain and delight our members
are selected, true to our motto: “TO LEAVE NO NOSE UPTURNED “.
The nose combines ice – cream and puff candy with teriyaki salmon – also tar, charred
wood, heather and gorse; water brings tobacco smoke and toasted marshmallows.
The palate suggest fiery ginger beer and chilli prawns – lemon sherbet, juicy fruits,
chocolate fudge and wood.
A nose ‘picture’ emerged of a fish and chip van and an ice – cream van in a lay – by
near the links – fried whitebait with lemon and teriyaki salmon; vanilla ice – cream
and puff candy; smells of tar, charred wood, gorse and heather.
The neat taste had fiery ginger beer and tempura prawns with chilli sauce; fresh grape
juice, lemon sherbet, jellied fruits, chocolate, fudge and wood.
The reduced nose offered sea – water, tobacco smoke, pickled ginger and toasted
marshmallows. The palate now had chalky textures, sweet juicy fruits, light smoke,
teasing spices and suggestions of a boat – builder’s yard.
From the smaller of Orkney’s distilleries.
SSCAPA
Aged 12 years
56.1 %
SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
FROM A SINGLE CASK
Date Distilled: 23rd January 2002
Cask Type: Refill Barrel / ex Bourbon
Outturn: One of Only 243 Bottles
Society Single Cask: CODE: 1 7. 3 9
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults, Leith, Edinburgh
"Relax, take it easy"
passed under some of the most scrupulous noses in the world and approved for re-
lease as a Society bottling.
Only single cask whiskies that promise to intrigue, entertain and delight our members
are selected, true to our motto: “TO LEAVE NO NOSE UPTURNED “.
Freshly starched linen, scented potpourri of dried flowers followed by a newly opened
grow bag to plant tomato vined in the greenhouse. An Indian Chai hot chocolate on the
palate neat whilst with water chocolate and raspberry macaroons enjoyed with a rose
sherbet.
Delicate and fragile to start with; freshly starched linen, ice cream cone cupcakes, scented
potpourri of dried flowers and perfumed talcum powder followed by the opening of a fresh
grow bag to add to the tomate vines in your green house.
The taste reminded us of an Indian Chai hot chocolate, creamy and rich but at the same time
a pleasant spicy cardamom and cinnamon kick.
Easy on the water. Delicate like a porcelain doll on the nose, with floral notes, lychees as well
as chocolate and raspberry macaroons.
To drink; fresh like a Turkish ‘rose sherbet’ accompanied by pink Marc de Champgane truffles
SCSCAPA
THE ORCADIAN
Estd 1885
40 %
S K I R E N
adj. Old Norse,
glittering, bright skies
Matured in 100 %
First - Fill American oak
BATCH S K O 1
The Scapa Distillery, Kirkwall,
Orkney
Within the reach of the Artic Circle, Scapa part of the Orkney Isles archipelago is
ruled by the Elements. Perched on the Tranquil shores of Scapa Flow, the Scapa
distillery is perfectly placed to look out upon the Ever – changing seas and skies.
To survive here, Islanders have learnt to harness nature’s contrastsand make the
most of the gentler months when the Horizon is bright and gleaming. It is these
summer nights, when our home is bathed in Endless twilight, that have inspired
the creation of this smooth, honeyed Single Malt.
Crafted the Orcadian way our team of artisans pride themselves on using Traditional
methods and skillshoned over several generations. The result is deliciously smooth,
flowing Heather – honey and bringingto mind Scapa Flow’s natural sanctuary from
the restless Elements beyond.
SCAPA
2 0 0 5
43 %
DISTILLERY LABELS
Orkney Single malt Scotch Whisky
Distilled 2005
Bottled 2018
Trademark of Proprietors
Taylor & Ferguson Ltd, Scapa, Orkney
Specially Selected, Produced, Matured & Bottled
By and under the resposibility of
Gordon & Macphail, Elgin
Tasting note:
Light and fruity aromas layered with vanilla, green apple and fresh lemon
Creamy initially: juicy grapefruithighlighted with hints of dark chocolate
finishing with a delightful herbal edge.
The Northern Highlands
Orkney
SCAPA
Kirkwall, Orkney. Licentiehouder: Taylor & Ferguson Ltd. Onderdeel van Caledonian Malt Whisky Distillers Ltd.
De malt whisky divisie van Allied Distillers Ltd, Eigendom van Allied Lyons Pic. De distilleerderij werd opgeleverd in October 1885.
Opdrachtgever was een toen bekende distillateur uit de Speyside, J.T. Towsend.
Scapa was naar de toenmalige maatstaven een heel moderne distilleerderij. Waarmogelijk werd gebruik gemaakt van machines inplaats van mankracht.
De distilleerderij gebouwd langs de Lingo Burn, werd van energie voorzien door middel van een waterrad dat de elevators, lopende banden, pompen, malerij en overige machinerie.
De firmanaam was MacFarlane & Towsend.
De twee ketels, hadden een capaciteit van 1100- en 700 gallons en werden met stoom verhit. De jaarlijkse capaciteit was 40.000 gallons.
In de eerste wereldoorlog was een onderdeel van het Engelse leger ingekwartiert in de dis-tilleerderij .
Er ontstond op een bepaald moment toen een grote brand, die door de miltairen werd geblust. In 1919 werd Scapa Distillery Co, Ltd gevormd. Van 1934 tot 1936 lag de distilleerderij stil.
In 1936 werd Scapa gekocht door Bloch Brothers (Distillers) Ltd, toen ook de eigenaars van Glen Scotia.
Bloch Brothers kochten in Januari 1941 ook de Glengyle distilleerderij in Campbeltown, met de bedoeling om deze distilleerderij te heropenen, maar door het begin van de tweede wereldoorlog gaat dit niet door.
Bloch Brothers ging in 1954 bankroet en Glen Scotia en Scapa werden overgenomen door Hiram Walker (Scotland) Ltd.
Glen Scotia werd door Hiram Walker verkocht aan A. Gillies & Co (Distillers) Ltd, die in 1970 werden overgenomen door Amalgamated Distilled Products, van de Argyll Group.
Hiram Walker - Gooderham & Worts Ltd of Canada maakte in 1930 zijn entree in de Schotse whiskyindustrie, door een 60 % belang te nemen in de Stirling Bonding Company en de blenders J. & G. Stodart.
In 1936 werd Hiram Walker de 100 % eigenaar.
Ook in 1930 werd George Ballantine & Son Ltd overgenomen met twee malt distilleerderijen Glenburgie en Miltonduff.
In 1938 kwam de door hun gebouwde Dumbarton Grain Distillery en de Inverleven Malt Whisky distilleerderij in gebruik.
In 1946 werden te Dumbarton nog twee lagerpakuizen gebouwd en kwamen er ook bottelfacili-teiten.
In 1951 werden de mouters Robert Kilgour te Kircaldy overgenomen.
Gedurende de vijftiger jaren nam hun export enorm toe en werden een aantal firma's over-genomen die voorraden bezaten van gerijpte whiskies.
Ook werden Glencadam, Scapa, Pulteney overgenomen.
Scapa wordt in de tweede wereldoorlog grotendeels door brand verwoest.
Scapa wordt in 1959 uitgebreid, toen werd ook de moutvloer gesloten.
In de jaren zestig kreeg Scapa een Lomond ketel, die staat er nog en dient hier als washstill.
Deze ketels zijn ook in gebruik geweest in de distilleerderijen Glenburgie en Miltonduff.
In 1978 werd Scapa opnieuw verbouwd.
Sinds 1993 is Scapa maar heel incidentieel in bedrijf geweest.
In 2000 is er drie maanden geproduceerd onder de leiding van de mensen van Highland Park.
Het gebruikte koelwater komt nog altijd van de Lingro Burn, het water voor de produktie komt van de bronnen Halmyre, Mossbank en Orqvic.
Alle single malt whiskies werden tot 1996 gebotteld door Gordon & Macphail. te Elgin. Sinds 1997 brengt Allied de whisky ook zelf op de markt.
Er staat één mash tun groot 3? ton, acht wash backs zijn in gebruik van elk 44000 liter, de met stoom verhitte ketels zijn groot 13.500 liter en 12.563 liter (twee stuks).
De mogelijke capaciteit per jaar is ongeveer 1.000.000 miljoen liter.
De licentiehouder is Taylor & Ferguson, blenders van Ambassador, ook door Hiram Walker in de dertiger jaren overgenomen.
Allied Distillers Februari 2003
Dumbarton Distillery sluit. Het komplex waar ook het hoofdkantoor van Allied was gevestigd, herbergde
ook de Dumbarton Grain distilleerderij, en ook werden de malt whiskies Lomond, waarvan slechts één
botteling bekend is, uitgebracht door de Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, Leith, Edinburgh onder
code nummer 98.1, en Inverleven.
De capaciteit van de Grain distilleerderij Strathclyde wordt vergroot tot 39 miljoen liter spirit per jaar,
dat was 32 miljoen liter.
Het hoofdkantoor wordt gevestigd te Kilmalid.
Het enorme gebouwencomplex is verkocht aan twee projectontwikkelaars.
Maart 2004
Allied maakt bekend E 4 miljoen te investeren in Scapa en Glendronach.
Het grootste deel van dit bedrag gaat naar Scapa.
Het is de bedoeling dat Scapa Januari 2005 weer in gebruik zal zijn, er is dan werk voor drie vaste krachten.
Het eerste jaar gaat men er 120.000 liter spirit produceren.
Er wordt, naast de 12 jaar oude Scapa een 14 jaar oude Scapa uitgebracht.
Er komt ook een klein bezoekerscentrum.
The wash still is sourced from Glenburgie in 1959 and is only one of two (the other at Loch Lomond Distillery)
Lomond stills in the industry.
We, the Tasting Panel, verify that the Scotch Malt Whisky inside this bottle has been
passed under some of the most scrupulous noses in the world and approved for re -
lease as a Society bottling.
Only single cask whiskies that promise to intrigue, entertain and delight our members
are selected, true to our motto: "To leave no nose upturned ".
Water: Lingro Burn
Mash tun: 1 x 3,5 tonnes
Washbacks: 8 x 44000 litres
1 wash still x 13.500 litres
1 spirit still x 12.563 litres
Output: 1.000.000 litres
April 2015
SCAPA, the Orcadian whisky distiller owned by Chivas Brothers, has opened its first-ever visitor centre.
The 130-year-old brand said visits would encompass a tour of the traditional, manually-operated production
facilities, including the only whisky Lomond still in Scotland, and a walk along the front of the distillery to see
Scapa Flow harbour.
The centre is the latest offering in tourism from Chivas, whose combined gin and Scotch whisky visitor sites
attract more than 100,000 people every year.
Caroline Mitchell, the group's visitor centres manager, said: "Our boutique distillery's visitor centre will provide
our guests with an educational experience in a natural environment and we look forward to welcoming them to
one of the most remote and beautiful locations in Scotland."
Brian MacAulay, distilling manager at Scapa, added: "I have personally taken the pleasure in removing our
'No Visitors' sign."
Once boasting the longest fermentation time in the industry at 120 hours, although the introduction of a seven-day
distilling week has reduced this to up to 70 hours, Scapa's fruitiness remains prominent in the wash, and is further
refined by distillation in a Lomond-style still. These stills were designed in the late 1950s in an attempt to create
multiple different flavours from a single pot. The barrel-like necks contained moveable copper baffle plates which
could be manipulated to create different levels of reflux. Today the plates have been removed, but the amount of
copper in the necks is still massive. A purifier pipe increases reflux even further, and adds its usual oiliness.
The result is one of the juiciest new makes in Scotland, a character that is enhanced by maturation in American
oak and refill casks.
Also produced here:
Calchou
By the end of the 19th century there were three distilleries operational on Orkney: Highland Park, Stromness
(both of which dated from the early part of the century) and, from 1885, Scapa. Any distillery built at this time
was free to try and exploit the growing interest in blends. Scapa was no different. Indeed, it was built by a blender,
Glasgow’s John Townsend. It was damaged by fire in 1919, but rebuilt. In 1936 it was bought by Bloch Bros.
[see Glen Scotia, Glengyle] who ran it for close on two decades before selling up to Hiram Walker which through
mergers ended up as Allied Distillers. In 1959 a Lomond still was installed which ran as intended until 1979.
Production ceased in 1994 with occasional runs being done by the crew from Highland Park. In 2004, however
it was released as single malt and a major refurbishment of the distillery began. In 2005 it became part of the
Pernod Ricard stable and the refurbishment was completed. The new owners redesigned the packaging of the
single malt and upped the age from 14 years to 16.
In 2015 a visitor’s centre was opened and the introduction of a new, extended range was announced.
1885
Scapa distillery is opened in
Orkney by Macfarlane & Townsend
1919
The distillery is sold to the Scapa
Distillery Co, but is damaged by fire
in the same year
1934
Scapa Distilling Co. goes into liquidation
and distilling ceases at the site
1936
Production resumes following the buy
out by Bloch Brothers
1954
The business is sold to Canadian group
Hiram Walker
1959
Hiram Walker rebuilds the distillery and
installs a Lomond still (from Glenburgie)
1987
Allied Lyons (later Allied Domecq)
purchases Hiram Walker
1979
The Lomond still is decommissioned
1994
Scapa distillery is mothballed, although
occasional runs are completed by the
nearby Highland Park team
2004
A £2.1 million refurbishment project
takes place; Scapa 14 Year Old is launched
2005
Refurbishment complete, Scapa becomes
part of Pernod Ricard's portfolio after the
group purchases Allied Domecq
2015
The distillery opens its first visitors' centre
in April
2016
The peated Glansa is released
2020
Capacity: 1.300.000
The Vintages 1977, 1979, 1990 are released
CAPACITY (MLPA) i
1
CONDENSER TYPE i
Shell and tube
FERMENTATION TIME i
52-70hrs
GRIST WEIGHT (T) i
2.9
HEAT SOURCE i
Diesel fuelled steam boiler
MALT SPECIFICATION i
Unpeated
MALT SUPPLIER i
Simpsons
MASH TUN TYPE i
Semi Lauter
NEW-MAKE STRENGTH i
72%
SPIRIT STILL CHARGE (L) i
8,200
SPIRIT STILL SHAPE i
Straight Ogee
SPIRIT STILL SIZE (L) i
12,284
STILLS i
2 (1 wash, 1 spirit)
WASH STILL CHARGE (L) i
13,500
WASH STILL SHAPE i
Lomond
WASH STILL SIZE (L) i
16,500
WASHBACK CHARGE (L) i
13,500
WASHBACK SIZE (L) i
24,000
WASHBACK TYPE i
Steel
WASHBACKS i
8
WATER SOURCE i
Lingro Burn
WORT CLARITY i
Clear
YEAST TYPE i
Anchor dried
Pernod Ricard
2005 - present
Chivas Brothers
Allied Domecq
1994 - 2005
Allied Lyons
1987 - 1994
Hiram Walker & Sons
1954 - 1987
Bloch Brothers
1936 - 1954
Scapa Distillery Co
1919 - 1934
Macfarlane & Townsend
1885 - 1919
AMBASSADOR
BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY
Ambassador is a discontinued export blend first created by Glasgow blender Taylor & Ferguson Ltd, which was a big success in the US but unknown elsewhere. Over the years it was available as De Luxe, De Luxe 8-year-old, 12-year-old and Royal 12- and 25-year-old. It is likely that the constituent malts included Scapa and Glen Scotia at some point due to the brand’s ownership. It is not known what its make-up was and is very much an auction item now.
Taylor & Ferguson Ltd was incorporated as a blender in 1931 and its history is entwined with two distilling companies, one Scottish and the other Canadian. The company’s major brand was Ambassador blended Scotch, and as blending company Bloch Brothers expanded its business after WWII, Taylor & Ferguson Ltd was absorbed.
Ambassador was then bottled for export either under the Bloch Brothers name, or Taylor & Ferguson’s. In 1954 Bloch Brothers was acquired by Canadian group Hiram Walker & Sons after the Bloch brothers decided that distilling was not for them. A failed attempt to resurrect Glengyle distillery in Campbeltown had affected them and they were both getting on in life.
The tagline on the 1970s labels was ‘Scotch at its World’s Lightest’, and Ambassador continued to be available, principally in the US, until the late 1980s.
1931
Taylor & Ferguson is
incorporated as a blending company
1941
Sir Maurice and Joseph Bloch
register the company Bloch Brothers
(Distillers) Ltd.
1948
Bloch Bros importers, Jardine Liquor
Company,
advertise Ambassador whisky in major
US periodicals such as Life magazine
1954
Bloch Brothers (Distillers) Ltd is taken
over by Hiram Walker & Sons, acquiring
Scotia and Scapa distilleries and all brands
including the Ambassador brand
2010
Bloch Brothers (Distillers) Ltd is liquidated
and voluntarily dissolved
2011
Taylor & Ferguson Ltd is liquidated and
voluntarily dissolved
Hiram Walker & Sons
Taylor & Ferguson
BLOCH BROTHERS
Once boasting the longest fermentation time in the industry at 120 hours, although the introduction of a seven-day distilling week has reduced this to up to 70 hours, Scapa's fruitiness remains prominent in the wash, and is further refined by distillation in a Lomond-style still. These stills were designed in the late 1950s in an attempt to create multiple different flavours from a single pot. The barrel-like necks contained moveable copper baffle plates which could be manipulated to create different levels of reflux. Today the plates have been removed, but the amount of copper in the necks is still massive. A purifier pipe increases reflux even further, and adds its usual oiliness. The result is one of the juiciest new makes in Scotland, a character that is enhanced by maturation in American oak and refill casks.
By the end of the 19th century there were three distilleries operational on Orkney: Highland Park, Stromness (both of which dated from the early part of the century) and, from 1885, Scapa. Any distillery built at this time was free to try and exploit the growing interest in blends. Scapa was no different. Indeed, it was built by a blender, Glasgow’s John Townsend. It was damaged by fire in 1919, but rebuilt. In 1936 it was bought by Bloch Bros. [see Glen Scotia, Glengyle] who ran it for close on two decades before selling up to Hiram Walker which through mergers ended up as Allied Distillers. In 1959 a Lomond still was installed which ran as intended until 1979.
Production ceased in 1994 with occasional runs being done by the crew from Highland Park. In 2004, however it was released as single malt and a major refurbishment of the distillery began. In 2005 it became part of the Pernod Ricard stable and the refurbishment was completed. The new owners redesigned the packaging of the single malt and upped the age from 14 years to 16.
In 2015 a visitor’s centre was opened and the introduction of a new, extended range was announced.
1885
Scapa distillery is opened
in Orkney by Macfarlane & Townsend
1919
The distillery is sold to the
Scapa Distillery Co, but is damaged
by fire in the same year
1934
Scapa Distilling Co. goes into
liquidation and distilling ceases
at the site
1936
Production resumes following
the buy out by Bloch Brothers
1954
The business is sold to Canadian
group Hiram Walker
1959
Hiram Walker rebuilds the distillery
and installs a Lomond still
1987
Allied Lyons (later Allied Domecq)
purchases Hiram Walker
1979
The Lomond still is decommissioned
1994
Scapa distillery is mothballed, although
occasional runs are completed by the
nearby Highland Park team
2004
A £2.1 million refurbishment project
takes place; Scapa 14 Year Old is launched
2005
Refurbishment complete, Scapa becomes
part of Pernod Ricard's portfolio after the
group purchases Allied Domecq
2015
The distillery opens its first visitors'
centre in Apri
Gordon & MacPhail has enhanced the
Connoisseurs Choice range with a
series of single malts that are aged
30-years-old and above.
One of the latest expressions to be
released in this select group is from
Scapa Distillery.
Scapa Distillery (1988) 53.8% ABV
Colour: Light gold
Region: Island
Distilled: Friday, 02 September, 1988
Bottled: Thursday, 13 September, 2018
Years old: 30
Cask No.: 10585
Cask Type: Refill bourbon barrel
Outturn: 148
Batch: 18/069
Connoisseurs Choice Tasting Notes :
Personal tasting notes Official sample provided by Gordon & MacPhail
Nose: Tinned apricots or peaches are offered together with a mixture of nougat, buttery toffee caramel and barley sugars. A strong aroma of vanilla, some mineral notes that is a cross between freshly pressed extra virgin olive oil and a hint of sea spray with the additional hint of a floral element.
The merest threat of water releases additional fruit notes and expands the honeyed sweetness.
Taste: A sweet bread pudding made from a high quality panettone smothered with creamy vanilla custard that has juicy lemons and bitter orange marmalade added for good measure. The malt influences are perceptible, as are the accompanying hints of bourbon infused oak, the mineral and briny notes promised in its nose and just a wisp of smokiness, which combined help to tame the sweetness from becoming over dominant.
The addition of just a few drops of water help create a beautiful, simply well- balanced dram of pure whisky nectar.
Finish: A relatively long finish featuring more of the above with buttery notes emerging at the end. A sheer delight!
Being a new addition to the range and presented in a heavyweight bottle and wooden presentation box, details of its price and release date are yet to be published on the website
Scapa Distillery to open whisky tasting room that has stunning views of Orkney
A hidden gem steeped in history and with local traditions at the heart, the Scapa Noust tasting room offers an 'unparalleled whisky tasting experience.'
March 23, 2023
Categories: Drink, Whisky
This April, Scapa Distillery in Orkney is opening its new and intimate whisky tasting room, the Scapa Noust.
Welcoming whisky fans, the tasting room will offer an immersive experiences for those looking to taste exceptional whisky in a spectacular destination, including The Cask Finished Edition, Scapa 19-Year-Old Pedro Ximénez hogshead finish, which launches as the newest addition to the Scapa Distillery Reserve Collection.
The Scapa Noust Tasting Room and experience
The distinctive clifftop location overlooking the natural harbour of the Scapa Flow and dramatic Orcadian landscape makes the Scapa Noust a truly special location to taste whisky.
Tucked away on the Northern Isles of Scotland and surrounded by the elements, the Scapa Noust welcomes visitors to enjoy a dram of Scapa whisky Single Malt in an inviting and warm setting.
With a design that's reminiscent of the maritime heritage of the destination, the namesake harks back to the island's traditional boat shelters, ‘Noust’, the Orcadian term for a safe haven for boats.
Inside the Scapa Noust, there are nautical design touches from the local area as a reminder of the area’s history, including a traditional naval radio desk donated by a local Orcadian, as well as a helmet which is over 100 years old and was used by the British navy up until the 1970s.
After a tour of the working distillery and warehouse, up to twelve guests can enjoy tastings of Scapa Single Malt whisky around a central hand-carved long table featuring ripples inspired by the sea, whilst seated under a statement ceiling, crafted in the style of a traditional fishing boat’s interior.
Visitors will take in views through the floor to ceiling glass, looking out over the Scapa Flow, an underwater landmark site where a shipwreck of a sunken fleet resides.
Designed by a local Orcadian architect Mark Fresson, with interiors by Florian Dussopt, the tasting room pays homage to the traditions and crafts of the Orkney islands.
Cassie stone from across the island has been re-used and repurposed outside, using a technique hailing from Medieval times. There are also examples of locally crafted and rare Orcadian basket weave inside.
The Scapa Noust encompasses the contrast of wild and calm: being both surrounded by the harsh elements and cliff edge lapped by the sea, while also inside an oasis of tranquillity as a nod to the welcoming warmth of the Orcadian community.
Scapa Distillery Reserve Collection
To celebrate the opening, Scapa is launching a new addition to its Distillery Reserve Collection, The Cask Finished Edition, Scapa 19-Year-Old Pedro Ximénez hogshead finish.
There are just 440 bottles of this rich and spicy whisky which will be available exclusively at Scapa Distillery and on the distillery website, priced at £185.
Jacques-Henri Brive, head of brand experience and advocacy at Chivas Brothers, who own Scapa, said: "We are thrilled to open the doors of the new Scapa Noust tasting destination at our Scapa Distillery.
"The team are so proud to have brought this vision to life, designing a space with a modern and fresh interior, whilst simultaneously honouring the rich traditions of Orkney that make Scapa whisky what it is.
"Orkney is a special place, perfect for those wanting to absorb rich local history and culture and experience the wild beauty of the Orcadian archipelagos.
"The stunning Scapa Noust offers an incomparable experience for whisky fans and adventure seekers alike”.
Scapa Noust opening date
The Scapa Noust tasting room is open to the public from 4 April 2023. With a new direct connection from London City Airport to Orkney launching this summer, it is now even easier for tourists to discover all that Orkney has to offer.
To learn more, visit the Scapa Distillery website or contact Visitor Centre Supervisor Maria Letizia Bardelli at scapa.admin@pernod-ricard.com.
Scapa distillery opening dates
January - March: Thursday and Friday, 10:00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 17:00. For visit requests for Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, please email the distillery at scapa.admin@pernod-ricard.com
April - December: Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 - 12:00 and 13:00 - 17:00