Scapa 22 Year Old 1982 Chieftain’s Choice

The Chieftain’s Choice series by Ian McLeod is somewhat hit & miss in my experience. I have had a terrible Dalmore Medoc Finish, a rather bland Strathmill, but also a nice Rosebank and a wonderful Isle of Jura. Today, I am not trying one, but two Scapa from Chieftain’s head to head. The first is a 22 Year Old matured on an Amontillado sherry cask. It battles a 23 Year Old on sherry, bottled three years prior.

Ooh, this is a great nose, to be honest. The sherry is very soft and mildly drying with loads of acacia honey. A hint of smoke and even some salt, but the sweet fruit stays on top of all this. Nicely integrated, as we say.

It is rather punchy on the palate. Mildly spicy with nutmeg and cloves, loads of honey and again some sweet fruit. Oranges and peach. A handful of hazelnuts. Hints of smoke and a bit drying from the oak. Wine, too. Yes, well, that is the sherry speaking. Rather complex if you ask me.

The finish is somewhat drying, but not less pleasant.

This was pure enjoyment. Scapa moves up in my list.

Find where to buy Scapa whisky