Let’s be honest: if you’ve made it to Orkney, it probably wasn’t by accident. These islands are literally at the edge of the known world (well, the UK’s at least). But if you find yourself in this wind-swept land, congratulations! You’re about to discover one of Scotland’s most impressive and least-known whiskies: Scapa.
An elixir forged by the elements
Here, you won’t find groups of tourists or buses filled with travellers wielding giant cameras. Orkney is for the adventurous at heart—those who seek out ancient monuments like Skara Brae, a Neolithic village hidden beneath the sand until a storm revealed it in 1850. Or perhaps you’re someone who enjoys island-hopping (Orkney has 70 islands, but only 20 are inhabited). With its wild fauna, dramatic landscapes, and spectacular food, life in Orkney is truly unique.
And speaking of food… it’s not just the whisky that’s memorable here. On my quest through distilleries, I also tasted ice creams and cheeses so delicious that each bite was a festival for the palate. Orkney not only fills you with breathtaking landscapes but also nourishes you with some of the most exquisite flavours imaginable. All this in one of the most tranquil places on Earth, where the only sound breaking the silence is the wind caressing the waves. And guess what—I bumped into a fellow from Galicia right here in Orkney! Yes, the world is smaller than we think.
Let me take you on a journey across the island, uncovering the curiosities and anecdotes shared with me. Because while Scapa shines on its own, the stories surrounding its creation are what truly make it unique.
The Royal Navy’s darling
Scapa is woven into the very fabric of Orkney’s landscape and rich military history. Situated near Scapa Flow, a strategic anchorage during both World Wars, the distillery is steeped in echoes of a turbulent past. The Royal Navy, stationed in the area, made this whisky their favourite—a prized gem for officers and sailors seeking respite after long days at sea. In 1919, following the surrender of the German fleet in World War I, Admiral von Reuter ordered his ships scuttled in Scapa Flow to prevent them from falling into Allied hands. For years, the masts of those vessels rose above the waves at low tide, a silent reminder of war’s scars.
Scapa’s Best-Kept Secrets
When I arrived at Scapa, I met the true guardians of the distillery—inspiring figures who, with their passion and stories, completely transformed my perception not just of whisky, but of spirits in general. Meeting them was like diving into an adventure where whisky is the heartbeat of Orkney’s living history.
And like a Guy Ritchie film, here’s the cast of characters:
Brian “The Captain”
Imagine Brian, the Master Distiller, as the navigator of this adventure. Born on the islands, he always dreamed of working by the sea or in a distillery, combining his two great passions. Today, he lives that dream, caring for every drop of Scapa. With whisky running through his veins (his father and grandfather were also distillers—don’t get me wrong!), for Brian, this isn’t just a job; it’s a family tradition he proudly upholds, like a captain steering his ship through Orkney’s storied seas.
Mick “The Host”
Then there’s Mick, the kind of islander who makes you feel as if you’ve lived in Orkney your whole life. One day, while checking the still house, he stumbled upon an intrepid tourist who had managed to sneak in to take photos. Back then, Scapa had no visitor center, so the most dedicated fans found their own way in. But Mick, far from being annoyed, took a break and offered an impromptu tour. That’s Orkney hospitality for you: spontaneous and authentic, always ready to share stories with anyone willing to listen.
Bryan “The Aviator”
Last but not least is Bryan, who landed at Scapa in 2004 after leaving the Royal Air Force. His connection to Orkney’s military history is strong, and his favorite tale involves the Royal Navy during World War I. Naval officers were housed in the distillery when a fire broke out. Admiral Jellicoe, commander of the Grand Fleet, dispatched his men to form a human chain to carry water, and thanks to their efforts, they saved the distillery from the flames. Bryan tells this story as if he’d been there himself, and when you hear it, you can almost feel the heat of that day and the mingling scents of smoke and sea breeze.
These gentlemen shared with me the most intimate secrets of this whisky, revealing the details that truly set it apart from other single malts. It’s not just its history or the magic of the place that makes it special; it’s the technical and artisanal decisions that have shaped its journey.
Delving into the specifics, what truly distinguishes Scapa is its innovative distillation process. While many distilleries clung to traditional methods, Scapa chose to be ahead of its time. In 1959, they installed a Lomond still, a unique still designed by chemical engineer Alistair Cunningham and draftsman Arthur Warren for Hiram Walker. This still, a rare variation of the traditional pot still, included adjustable plates in the neck that allowed control over reflux, resulting in lighter and more refined spirits. Although those plates are no longer used, their influence remains fundamental to Scapa’s unique character.
Another distinctive element is its prolonged fermentation time, which at its peak reached 120 hours, giving the whisky a fruity and deep profile. Although this duration has been reduced in recent years, the distillery maintains the complexity that characterizes it, enhanced by maturation in American oak casks. The result is a juicy, smooth, and deeply seductive whisky that wins you over not just with its history but with its unparalleled character.
A haven for whisky lovers
To me, Scapa is like that quiet but charismatic friend who, without needing to draw attention, always leaves a lasting impression. It’s the “hipster” of whisky: it moves at its own pace, always unique, and surprises you when you least expect it.
On the nose, it greets you with a warm embrace of apricots, peaches, and a touch of nougat that transports you to a candy shop. It’s impossible not to smile. On the palate, the buttery, smooth texture makes you feel as if you’re walking through an autumn forest. Delicate spices, caramel—and just when you think you’ve discovered everything—a hint of ginger appears, winking mischievously.
But if you’re someone who craves a bit more “rock and roll,” the Scapa 25 Year Old is your whisky, as is any vintage from G&M. It’s like watching your favorite guitarist break the silence with a legendary solo. Cinnamon, honey, and a pinch of sea salt transport you to those wild coasts where waves crash against cliffs. On the palate, it’s pure luxury: honey, Jaffa oranges, and sweet oak, with a long, spicy, and yes, sexy finish.
In summary, Scapa is for those who seek something different—something that surprises them. It’s not the whisky that follows the traditional path; it’s the one that takes you off-route, leading you to discover places you never thought to visit.
Ready for the Adventure?
Scapa is waiting, and every sip is an invitation to join the journey.