Scapa Connoisseurs Choice - Cask Strength 1988 30 años Single Malt Whisky

Fifteen years ago, Scapa and Glendronach distilleries nearly became sister distilleries to Bruichladdich amidst widespread ownership changes. Pernod Ricard had pursued Allied Domecq since 1999, partnering with Fortune Brands in 2005 to acquire the group for £7.4 billion—a transaction not subject to competition oversight. Allied Domecq's portfolio included Teacher's and Ballantine's Scotch whiskies, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa liqueur, Canadian Club whisky, and several distilleries including Scapa and Glendronach. Following the asset division agreement, Mark Reynier—who had previously acquired Bruichladdich from Fortune Brands—attempted to purchase Scapa and Glendronach, but both were ultimately acquired by Pernod Ricard. Scapa distillery features a 2.9-tonne semi-lauter copper mash tun, twelve fermentation washbacks, and two stills. Originally equipped with eight washbacks (four stainless steel), the distillery now operates twelve stainless steel washbacks, with an upgraded boiler. Fermentation time was reduced from 160 to 52 hours to increase production, though the additional washbacks may allow longer fermentation again. In 1959, Scapa installed a Lomond still from Glenburgie as its wash still—one of only two Lomond stills remaining in Scotch whisky production—though its adjustable plates were removed in 1979. In 2015, Scapa Skiren replaced Scapa 16 Year Old. Matured exclusively in first-fill bourbon casks, Skiren is a no age statement expression. Autumn 2016 saw the launch of Scapa Glansa, matured in American oak casks and finished in barrels that previously held peated whisky. The Distillery Reserve series from Pernod Ricard's Chivas Brothers includes no fewer than seven Scapa cask strength bottlings, sold exclusively at Scottish distillery visitor centers, aged 10-25 years. Two expressions feature sherry cask maturation; the remainder are bourbon cask matured.