Scapa Glansa

Scapa Glansa, NAS, 40 %

In September this year the Scapa Glansa was launched in Norway. This is the first new official release from the Orkney distillery since the Scapa Skiren (see review) was launched in 2015.

The Scapa Glansa first matured in 1st fill American oak casks before being finished in casks that previously held peated whisky. The result is the first ever (lightly) peated whisky from Scapa.

The name 'Glansa' is taken from Old Norse and means ‘shining storm-laden skies’. If you have ever visited Orkney you can certainly see where that inspiration came from.

You can buy a bottle of the Scapa Glansa in Norway at NOK 625 (7852901), in Sweden at SEK 399 (86963), and in the UK at around GBP 35. In terms of pricing it is only a fraction more expensive than the Scapa Skiren.

Nose: Vanilla with a little bit of an attitude. Somewhat dusty. With time it turns more sweet. Light notes of icing sugar, and hints of red berries. Really appealing. No hints of smoke really, but there's some chocolate and mild coffee notes here.

Taste: Medium body with medium sweetness. Vanilla, light touch of coffee, creamy, hints of ashes. Mild ginger and white pepper.

Finish: Medium long finish. Vanilla, soft oakiness. A touch of peppery ashes.

Comments: This really works for me. A fine bourbon matured whisky - lively and spirited.

Score (86/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas