The Scapa Noust: The newest addition to Orkney
On April 4th 2023, Orkney’s Scapa Distillery opens the ‘Scapa Noust’, a new whiskey tasting destination with breath-taking unparalleled views, panning across the endless dramatic Orcadian horizon. But before we delve into this hot new whiskey sipping haven, allow me to quickly advance your knowledge on the Orkney Islands, so that you too can have a better understanding on why these stunning landscapes, make this particular tasting room so special.
Orkney – also known as the Orkney Islands, is acknowledged as an archipelago (which basically means an extensive group of islands) and is located in the climatic northern isles of Scotland. Orkney has around 70 islands, in which only 20 are inhabited. Kirkwall is the largest out of the islands and is known as Orkney’s mainland. It’s easy to believe that Orkney has some of the most powerful stories, formed in some of the most striking landscapes.
Single Malt fans and adventurers alike, it’s time to buckle up and explore why the Scapa Noust and Orkney, are set to be some of the best places to visit this year. Connecting unique immersive experiences with the marriage of exceptional whiskey, this truly is a tasting room like no other.
Getting There
Not only has the Orkney Islands made some of the lists as a top place to visit this year, but you will now be able to take direct flights with Loganair from London City airport. As the direct flights had not been introduced at the time I was visiting, I took a 1 hour 30-minute flight with BA from London Heathrow to Edinburgh and after a short layover, caught a 1 hour 10-minute connection flight with Loganair to Orkney. The new direct flights really will be a game changer for many who wish to visit Orkney.
There is a perk however to this two-way stint for those of you who are interested in planes and aviation. Loganair mostly fly small planes, including the Saab 340 which is one of seven different models across their 40+ aircraft fleet. I had the experience of being one of just 33 passengers onboard the Saab 340 and I was even lucky enough to bag one of the single-aisle seats. This was such a cool experience! As the friendly captain fires up the engine’s propellers, it honestly felt like I’d been involuntarily signed up to the Royal Air Force… in-fact the only thing that needed replacing was the airhostess for a Lieutenant General and my waterproofs for some cargo trousers!
After a smooth and pleasant flying experience with Loganair, I’d touched down in Kirkwall the mainland in the Orkney Islands. A rapid 7-minute taxi ride later, I arrive at The Kirkwall Hotel.
The Kirkwall Hotel
The Kirkwall Hotel is the original harbourside hotel. Although it feels as if you have stepped back in time, with vintage revolving doors at the lobby entrance and sliding collapsible metal elevator gates (commonly referred to as the ‘Bostwick elevator Gates’, manufactured in the early 20th century), the hotel is clean, cosy and chic throughout.
The room itself was comfortable and accommodating. Shades of Harbour Gray brushed across the walls to reflect the cute views of the harbour outside, with modern furniture in various quirky wooden pieces, bedding and lampshades subtly integrating Scottish tartan patterns and a thick bouncy grey carpet to keep you nice and snug. The bathroom is spacious and modern. Using tones of black, grey, white and silver, this room has an executive feel, which is a fitting feeling you get after taking a shower under the gigantic rainfall showerhead.
The Scapa Noust Experience
This April, Scapa Distillery in Orkney is opening its new and intimate whiskey tasting room, the Scapa Noust. As part of the build-up to the launch of this impressive tasting room, Luxuriate Life Magazine was invited to go and check it out.
The distinctive clifftop location overlooking the natural harbour of the Scapa Flow and the dramatic Orcadian landscape, makes the Scapa Noust a truly special place to taste whisky. Tucked away on the northern isles of Scotland, Scapa Noust boasts fantastic touch points throughout, reminiscent of the maritime heritage of the destination. The namesake harks back to the island’s traditional boat shelters, ‘Noust’, the Orcadian term for a safe haven for boats.
If you’re the kind of person who would like to enjoy a dram in an inviting and warm setting, then here is what to expect…
Starting with a tour of the working distillery, it was interesting to gain an insight on this special production, forged by the sensational Orkney environment. From milling to distillation, every single stage in the process of Scapa is overseen by the artisans. Unlike other island distilleries no peat is used to dry their malt, allowing the uniquely sweet and tropical flavours to burst through. Racked into first-fill American Oak casks, hand selected and brought in from Tennessee and Kentucky; these precious American imports are what brings Scapa’s single malts their soft vanilla taste.
As the sun started to set over the cliffs of Scapa Flow, it was time for me to head over to the tasting room and discover some of these fantastic flavours on offer. Immediately I’m taken aback by the awe-inspiring architecture; appropriating and complimenting its captivating views so cleverly. A striking long hand-carved table featuring ripples inspired by the sea, sits at the centre of the room. Looking upward, there’s a statement ceiling crafted with features in the style of a traditional fishing boat. The grand floor to ceiling windows creates a beautiful frame, grasping the scenes of Scapa Flow.
Design
Inside there are nautical design touches from the local area, including a traditional naval radio desk donated by a local Orcadian, as well as a 100-year-old helmet, used by the British Navy up until the 1970s. Scapa partnered with renowned experiential design studio, Florian Dussopt Design Studio, to create the fantastic interiors, and they worked hand in hand with local architect, Mark Fresson, to bring the Scapa Noust to life. The various pallet tones used such as Penny Brown on the wall cabinets, Caramel Brown on the ceiling and Black Pearl around the fireplace and window frames, set the scene for a warm and luxury hideaway to taste some superb whiskey.
What about the taste?
I had the pleasure of tasting the 14, 19 and 22-year-old Scapa whisky from Scapa’s exclusive Distillery Reserve Collection. Although all of these single malt whiskeys were surprisingly smooth and honeyed, it was the Scapa 19-year-old Pedro Ximénez hogshead finish (which launches as the newest addition to the Scapa Distillery Reserve Collection), that stole my heart. This was a favourite of mine, as I personally picked up flavours that reminded me of a rum and raisin ice-cream.
In a nutshell
The Scapa Noust tasting room pays homage to the traditions and crafts of the Orkney Islands. Scapa Noust encompasses the contrast of wild and calm; being surrounded by both the harsh elements and cliff edge lapped by the sea, whilst inside an oasis of tranquillity as a nod to the welcoming warmth of the Orcadian community.
To discover more, visit: scapawhisky.com
Restaurants and Ancient Neolithic Sites to Visit in Orkney
As well as Scapa Noust, Orkney has so many different options when planning what to see and do across the islands. If it’s your first time visiting Orkney like it was mine, then I would recommend hiring a tour guide. Using a car to get around the islands is super useful and a guide will help you to explore some of the best things that you simply don’t want to miss out on, across this ever changing landscape.
Here are some of the things that I experienced.
Skara Brae: step back 5,000 years to explore one of Europe’s best-preserved prehistoric settlements. This neolithical village lies near the dramatic white beach of Bay of Skaill and was uncovered by a storm in 1850. Get up close and personal and see ancient homes fitted with stone bed enclosures, dressers and seats.
You can also visit Skaill House at this location, which is home to the man who unearthed Skara Brae. With many interesting artefacts on display, Skaill House will give you a valuable insight into Orkney’s diverse and exciting past.
The Ring of Brodgar: this archaeological treasure is one of the islands’ most visited attractions. The ring was built around 2500-2000BC and is the third largest stone circle in the British Isles. According to legend, it was a religious shrine and possibly a place of ritual, while others believe the ring was built for astronomical observation of the equinox and solstice.
The Standing Stones of Steness: these incredible megaliths sit at the start of the Brodgar peninsula and are considered to potentially be the oldest stone circle in the British Isles.
The Italian Chapel: in October 1939 a German submarine under the command of Gunther Prien entered Scapa Flow and sank the British battleship ‘HMS Royal Oak’, with the loss of 834 lives. Winston Churchill at that time decided to construct barriers to close off entrances to Scapa Flow, to make the home of the British Navy base fleet more secure. Due to a shortage of manpower, thousands of Italian soldiers fighting in North Africa were captured to help build the barriers. It was then agreed that two Nissen huts would be joined together to provide a chapel. Inside the chapel you will find the impressive hand painted artwork from artist Domenico Chiocchetti.
The Hamnavoe Restaurant: Hamnavoe means ‘safe harbour’ in Old Norse and this restaurant lies in the historical picturesque town of Stromness. Under new management as of May 2022, this superb menu provides dishes with a modern take on Orkney’s world-class seafood and meat, with a strong nod to the Korean heritage of the chef.
Dinner at The Storehouse Restaurant: this restored B Listed store originally built as a pork and herring curing station, is situated in heart of Kirkwall. This menu concentrates on the best of Orkney produce, offering seasonal dishes with changing seasonal specials.
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All imagery courtesy of Scapa Noust and Orkney Islands.