Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Scapa 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch

Distillery: Scapa Distillery
Location: Orkney, Scotland
Age: 16 years
Proof: 40% (80 Proof)
Distiller website
Rating: A+

Tonight's tasting is my most recent addition to my scotch collection, the Scapa 16-Year from the Orkney Isles of Scotland. Don't let its island heritage deceive you, however. This single malt is not the typical smoky peat flamethrower like its cousins from Islay and Skye. This is a well-balanced whisky with a distinctive character of its own.

The Scapa is a golden, honey amber in color. The nose detects sweet honey and banana aromas. There is also a whiff of aged tobacco in the background.

The Scapa 16-Year leads with sweet fruit on the palate, with flavors of sweet cherry and banana. There is some smoke and peatiness but it is here as a complimentary note; not the lead player like many other island malts. Sea salt and oak flavors are also present here in noticable quantities. There is a long, silky-smooth finish that lingers pleasantly for some time.

The Scapa 16-Year Old is smooth, balanced scotch whisky that has something for everyone. Scotch neophytes will enjoy the smooth sweetness. Connoisseurs will enjoy the balance and complexity. And those who like to mix with club soda or ginger ale should find a good mixing scotch here as well. The Scapa plays out like a musical chord with sweetness playing the lead and peat, salt and oak singing harmony. If you're looking for a high-end single malt to invest in for your collection, your money will be well spent on this 16 year old masterpiece.

No comments:

Post a Comment