Scapa Skiren

The only expression from this distillery previously experienced was their 16-year-old, which was found to be quite good but slightly overpriced. Due to limited stock, the distillery introduced non-age-statement options like Skiren and Glaslyn. This expression has a color like new copper pennies, suggesting added color. The aroma is somewhat distinct, filled with fruit and honey, primarily peach, with notes of diced Granny Smith apples, dried pineapple, sugar glaze, banana, and strawberry. Vanilla cream, mild oak, and maple syrup emerge after some time, creating a good, sweet nose. The body is thin, offering a mix of sugar, wood, and spice, with peaches, tangerine, apples, pineapple, and bananas, like a fruit bowl. An oaky spice gradually makes its way into the finish. The palate has a slight oakiness with a touch of ginger and orange, but it's unfortunately quite short. It's a pleasant surprise, being an easy sipper with a fruity sweetness that isn't overdone. It would benefit from a higher alcohol content for more impact. A price reduction of around $15 would also be beneficial. Overall, quite enjoyable. [84/100][Tasted: 1/27/19]

Nose: Very strong citrus, primarily lemon and grapefruit, with honey and vanilla. Quite pleasant and fresh. Palate: First orange and juicy lemons, then honey and vanilla emerge subtly before taking over. The influence of the ex-bourbon barrels is very apparent. Finish: Short and light, with citrus notes. A very enjoyable summer whisky. I honestly anticipated a more robust spirit given its origin, but the balance is excellent. A great product. Rating 4.25

I was looking forward to trying a Scapa, but I didn't realize it was from Orkney. Island whiskies are usually great, but this one lacks a bit of character. Bottled at 40% ABV with a deep copper color. Nose: Peaty but very subtle, spices also very subtle, orange candy, unnoticeable sugar (not sure if that's the right term), salty and sweet. A nice aroma, but not overpowering. Palate: Chocolate, tobacco, spicy. Too smooth, like water. The first couple of seconds are almost nonexistent. Dry chocolate cake. Similar to, but not as good as, Highland Park. Bitter notes. The finish is far too brief. Overall, it could be improved. 73 out of 100.

This non-age-statement whisky from the Orkney Islands, positioned almost as the northernmost spirit, was matured in first-fill American oak casks. It presents a honey, caramel, pear, apple, dried banana, pastry, tropical fruit, and anise aroma, alongside its characteristic fruity notes, stemming from the distillery's uncommon practice of not using peat in the barley drying process for this region. The taste is sweet and exceptionally smooth, with hints of vanilla and apricot, leading to a lengthy finish.

Amber color. On the nose, it's fruity with hints of chocolate, raisins, and juniper. It's fresh in this regard, with a touch of peach and almond. There's a constant salty, marine undertone. Faint notes of red apple juice. On the palate, an amalgam of these flavors is enhanced, with a slight tingle on the tongue. The finish is smooth with a light sweetness. It's short. A whiskey that is easy to drink but satisfies the search for complex flavors.

One reviewer noted cinnamon sugar, vanilla, lemon, caramel, and sage on the nose, with a taste described as atomic fireball and watery. Another noted an herbal soap aroma with a bit of farmyard funk, sea salt, lemon, and caramel, followed by a palate that starts thin but has decent spice and honey, and a lingering, short spice finish. It's considered an easy drinker, not complex or heavy, suitable as a pre-meal aperitif.