A "hidden gem" distillery in Orkney has announced the opening of a new whisky tasting room this spring.
Scapa Distillery, located on the shore of Scapa Flow, revealed that its "intimate" Scapa Noust tasting room will open to the public from April 1. Located on a clifftop, it will offer "spectacular views" of dramatic Orcadian landscape.
Welcoming single malt fans and adventurers alike, the tasting room will present "immersive" experiences for those looking to taste whisky in a spectacular destination. Among the whiskies on offer are The Cask Finished Edition and the Scapa 19-Year-Old Pedro Ximénez hogshead finish.
Designed by a local Orcadian architect Mark Fresson, the tasting room pays homage to the traditions and crafts of the Orkney islands. Cassie stone from across the island has been re-used and repurposed outside, while there are also examples of locally crafted and rare Orcadian basket weave inside.
According to the distillery, the Scapa Noust "encompasses the contrast of wild and calm: being both surrounded by the harsh elements and cliff edge lapped by the sea, while also inside an oasis of tranquillity as a nod to the welcoming warmth of the Orcadian community".
Following a tour of the distillery and warehouse, as many as 12 visitors can enjoy tastings of Scapa Single Malt whisky around a central hand-carved long table featuring ripples inspired by the sea beneath a "statement ceiling" crafted in the style of a traditional fishing boat’s interior.
The tasting room also includes floor-to-ceiling glass, allowing guests to take in views over the Scapa Flow—an underwater landmark site where a shipwreck of a sunken fleet resides. There are also nautical design features such as a traditional naval radio desk donated by a local Orcadian and a helmet that is over 100 years old and was used by the British navy up until the 1970s.
Head of Brand Experience and Advocacy at Chivas Brothers Jacques-Henri commented: "We are thrilled to open the doors of the new Scapa Noust tasting destination at our Scapa Distillery. The team are so proud to have brought this vision to life, designing a space with a modern and fresh interior, whilst simultaneously honouring the rich traditions of Orkney that make Scapa whisky what it is.
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"Orkney is a special place, perfect for those wanting to absorb rich local history and culture and experience the wild beauty of the Orcadian archipelagos. The stunning Scapa Noust offers an incomparable experience for whisky fans and adventure seekers alike."
More information can be found on the Scapa Distillery website.
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