2012 Claxton's Warehouse No.1 Orkney Islands 9 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Scapa or Highland Park? Judging by Claxton's tasting notes, it's almost certainly the latter and reads like it's leaning towards HP's classic 'honey and smoke' profile. If youth is a concern, remember this distillate doesn't necessarily require long maturation to shine. It's actually a massive Highland Park with ashy peat framing the honeyed mid palate. In fact, we never imagined the distillery could delivery so much weight. Even seasoned malt drinkers will need some water at hand. From an outturn of 338 bottles. Refill hogshead matured. 61.2% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.

Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Sweet heather and peat bonfire. Custard cream biscuits. PALATE: Malty and honey at first before a wave of white pepper peatiness. FINISH: Long peppery finish with smoky honey waves in the aftertaste.