Whisky Focus - Scapa Distillery Now Open To Visitors

The Scapa Distillery on the Orkney Islands today opened its doors to the public.

Scapa, the artisanal Orcadian single malt Scotch whisky owned by Chivas Brothers, has today unveiled its first-ever distillery visitor centre as it seeks to educate malt connoisseurs about its unique production process, provenance and quality. The opening marks the first occasion that Scapa facilities have been accessible to the public in its 130-year history.

Available from today, visits to Scapa include a tour of the traditional, manually-operated production methods, including the only whisky Lomond still in Scotland, and a walk along the front of the distillery to see the Scapa Flow, the natural harbour separating each of the Orkney Islands. Visitors also have the opportunity to explore a traditional Orcadian warehouse as well as to taste the revered Scapa 16 Year Old expression, which is available to purchase in the visitor centre gift shop.

The new visitor centre is the latest offering in tourism from Chivas Brothers, whose combined gin and Scotch whisky visitor centres attract over 100,000 people every year, reinforcing Chivas Brother’s commitment to increasing consumer understanding of the quality, heritage and provenance of its portfolio.

Caroline Mitchell, Visitor Centres Manager for Chivas Brothers, commented: “We are very excited to be able to offer Scotch aficionados, locals and tourists alike the chance to immerse themselves in the Scapa experience for the first time. Located on the shores of the breath-taking Scapa Flow, our boutique distillery’s visitor centre will provide our guests with an educational experience in a natural environment and we look forward to welcoming them to one of the most remote and beautiful locations in Scotland.”

Brian MacAulay, Distilling Manager at Scapa, added: “It is a great honour to be able to open the doors to the history and craft production processes here at Scapa distillery, which have been the secret of precious few artisans over the last hundred years. I have personally taken the pleasure in removing our ‘No Visitors’ sign and I know I speak on behalf of the team here in saying that we can’t wait to see the Scapa Distillery form an interesting, educative and welcoming part of the Orkney community.”

Creating two permanent and two seasonal jobs, the Scapa visitor centre and tour will be open to adults seven days per week until Friday 28th September 2015 and then five days per week until Friday 13th November 2015, from 9:30am until 5pm.

Scapa single malt whisky is now available from The Whisky Exchange
 

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