Scapa 16 Year Old Isle of Orkney Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Scapa has long been one of those secrets of Scotland that only the very into it Scotch people had heard of. They had an extremely delicious and affordable 14 year old for many years before going NAS only for the longest time. Now they're back with a new package and a new 16 year age statement. Bottled at a lovely 96 proof the color is deep copper (1.0). The nose is gorgeous and very full offering salted dried plum, peach skin, almond skins, old furniture, hints of salt and limestone. The palate is gorgeous with lots of fruit up front and a big rich oak spice and deep dark roasted malt moving toward the middle. This is meant to be all ex-American oak, but there's an opulence that makes me think sherry influence here, although it's extremely well integrated. On the finish the ocean-y Orkney character kicks up although there's no discernable smoke/peat to my palate. This is just very very good whisky in a lovely bottle.