2001 Gordon & Macphail Scapa 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Scapa chasers will know how hard it's been to obtain bottlings of any kind of late. Official distillery releases are no longer in circulation in Australia. The Orkney underdog makes a brief return to the market, albeit in indie form. This Gordon & Macphail edition was matured in refill bourbon barrels. Expect a light and fruity whisky, with a range of citrus and spice flavours and a lingering creamy milk chocolate edge.

Founded in 1885, Scapa sits along side Highland Park on the Orkney Islands at the northern tip of Scotland. The region is steeped in history and folklore. Nearby Scapa Flow hides the ghostly wrecks of the German fleet scuttled after the end of World War 1. Unlike most distilleries, Scapa has enjoyed a century of production with few changes of ownership. Silent from 1934 and rebuilt in 1959, floor maltings ceased production a few years later. Further internal improvements were made in 1978 including the installation of a Lomond type still. The water supply carries a considerable amount of peat from the Lingro Burn and local springs, so the barley employed is left unpeated. 43% Alc./Vol.