Scapa Glansa
40% ABV - Orkney Islands, Scotland
Nose: Honey, raspberry, pear, and coffee bean. Any peated quality – brought on by finishing in ex-Lagavulin barrels is one rumor I heard – is not detectable here.
Taste: Light peat and wood smoke, match head, sweetness – a berry of some kind, citrus, honey, slight floral, and ginger.
Finish: Light ash smoke and green fruits quickly fade.
This is an interesting dram. An easy introduction to peated whisky for those who are more weary. It has a lot of Highland character masked by the noted berries. The score has dropped over subsequent reviews,... it’s not clear if my taste has changed or if this bottle isn’t holding up well. Glansa could easily benefit from a higher proof bottling.
Tasted 19 April 2018.
85/100
Detailed Rating Information...
90+: Fantastic whisky; highly recommended.
My favourite whiskies – I might have more than one bottle if the price is right and the supply is limited! The higher values in this range will reflect a stronger balance and consistency between components.
85-89: Great whisky; recommended.
Whiskies that tick the flavour boxes and you'll likely hear about these from me. An easy decision to order at a bar/restaurant and one to consider buying a bottle of.
80-84: Very good whisky; recommended, but still consider trying before you buy.
Most of these whiskies I was really happy to have the opportunity to taste, but, apart from a dram here and there, I don’t think I would buy a bottle.
75-79: Good whisky; consider trying before you buy.
These are whiskies that I did enjoy drinking, but likely would reach for another bottle or select something different to order.
65-74: Average; consider trying before you buy, but not recommended.
There is nothing that stood out about this whisky and I might be inclined to mix it with soda or in a cocktail, instead of trying to enjoy its own flavours.
50-64: Bad; not recommended.
I didn’t like this and would sooner pass on another opportunity and order a beer instead than have it again… but never say never.
