Scapa Distillery unveils tasting room

Orkney-based Scapa Distillery has revealed a new intimate whisky tasting room, designed to elevate its visitor experience.

The Pernod Ricard-owned Scapa Distillery is situated on the shore of Scapa Flow, on the Scottish island of Orkney.

It is said to be one of the last remaining manually operated distilleries in Scotland, and is manned 24 hours a day by a team of artisans using traditional methods perfected over generations.

The new tasting room, called the Scapa Noust, boasts a distinctive clifftop location with a ‘dramatic’ backdrop of the Orcadian landscape, and will host uniquely immersive experiences for those looking to taste ‘exceptional whisky in a spectacular destination’.

Jacques-Henri Brive, head of brand experience and advocacy at Chivas Brothers, 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.

“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”.

Scapa partnered with renowned experiential design studio, Florian Dussopt Design Studio, to create the experiences and interiors within the Scapa Noust.

Inspired by a nautical theme, the team worked alongside local architect Mark Fresson to bring the Scapa Noust to life.

After an immersive tour of the working distillery and warehouse, up to 12 guests will be able to enjoy tastings of Scapa’s single malt whiskies around the central hand-carved long table, which features ripples inspired by the sea.

The statement ceiling above has been crafted in the style of a traditional fishing boat’s interior.

Visitors will be able to take in views through the floor to ceiling window, looking out over the Scapa Flow, an underwater landmark site where a shipwreck of a sunken fleet resides.

Inside the Scapa Noust, there are nautical design touches from the local area as a reminder of the area’s history, including a traditional naval radio desk, as well as a helmet which is more than 100 years old and was used by the British navy up until the 1970s.

To celebrate the opening, Scapa is launching a new addition to its Distillery Reserve Collection, The Cask Finished Edition, Scapa 19-year-old Pedro Ximénez hogshead finish.

The ‘rich and spicy’ whisky will be available exclusively at Scapa Distillery and on the distillery website, priced at £185 (US$226.44), with a limited run of 440 bottles.

The Scapa Noust tasting room will open to the public from 4 April, with tasting experiences starting from £40 (US$49) per person.