Scapa Distillery
Discover the unique Orcadian spirit at Scapa Distillery, offering exceptional single malt Scotch whisky and breathtaking views of Scapa Flow.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Scapa Distillery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the unique Orcadian spirit at Scapa Distillery, offering exceptional single malt Scotch whisky and breathtaking views of Scapa Flow.
"The tasting room is the most beautiful I have ever seen. I don't think it could be bettered."
🎯 Book The Orcadian Visit
For an in-depth experience with local insights, opt for 'The Orcadian Visit' tour.
🚗 Consider Hand Luggage
If flying, be mindful of luggage restrictions for taking bottles home.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Noust Tasting Room
Scapa Distillery
An intimate tasting room with breathtaking views of Scapa Flow, offering a refined whisky experience.
Scapa Distillery Tour
Scapa Distillery
An informative and engaging journey through the whisky-making process, led by knowledgeable local guides.
Scapa Beach Views
Near Scapa Distillery
Enjoy picturesque views of the distillery and Scapa Flow from this beautiful local beach.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Scapa Distillery Tour in Advance
Orkney's Unique Whisky Heritage
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book The Orcadian Visit
For an in-depth experience with local insights, opt for 'The Orcadian Visit' tour.
🚗 Consider Hand Luggage
If flying, be mindful of luggage restrictions for taking bottles home.
🚶♀️ Walk to Scapa Beach
Enjoy scenic views by walking to Scapa Beach for a picturesque distillery perspective.
🥃 Driver Samples Available
Drivers can take small bottles of sampled whiskies home, ensuring everyone can enjoy.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book The Orcadian Visit
For an in-depth experience with local insights, opt for 'The Orcadian Visit' tour.
🚗 Consider Hand Luggage
If flying, be mindful of luggage restrictions for taking bottles home.
🚶♀️ Walk to Scapa Beach
Enjoy scenic views by walking to Scapa Beach for a picturesque distillery perspective.
🥃 Driver Samples Available
Drivers can take small bottles of sampled whiskies home, ensuring everyone can enjoy.
✨ New Tasting Room Experience
The Scapa Noust tasting room offers an exceptional, intimate whisky experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Scapa Distillery for its fantastic tours, knowledgeable guides, and the exceptional beauty of its tasting room overlooking Scapa Flow. The quality of the whiskies and the unique Orcadian experience are major highlights, though some find the core range less complex than other distilleries. Overall, it's highly recommended for whisky lovers and anyone visiting Orkney.
"We spent the weekend in Kirkwall.
Naturally, we had to visit the Scapa distillery. I must admit that I had never tried Scapa whisky before. I was not disappointed! The tour and tasting experience were fantastic. The tasting room is the most beautiful I have ever seen. I don't think it could be bettered. Unfortunately, we couldn't take a bottle with us as we were only flying with hand luggage. Thank you very much for the insight and the excellent whisky."
Heiner Tovar
"Fantastic experience at Scapa Distillery! The tour was informative and well-paced, with just the right balance of history, production detail, and personal touches. The whiskies were excellent — a real treat to taste such quality drams right at the source.
The tasting room was absolutely stunning, with beautiful views and a calm, refined atmosphere that really enhanced the experience. The presentation of the whiskies was thoughtful and elegant, making the tasting feel special from start to finish.
Highly recommended for whisky lovers and anyone visiting Orkney looking for a memorable, high-quality experience."
Eva Lenz
"Great tour, took the hour and fifteen minutes - guide was knowledgeable and friendly! End of tour sampling was 10, 11 and 12 year old with small bottles so drivers can take samples away. Would definitely recommend."
Kyle Jones
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Scapa Distillery is located just outside Kirkwall. You can reach it by a short taxi ride or a scenic walk, especially if you plan to visit Scapa Beach. Some visitors mention it's a pleasant walk from Kirkwall, taking about 30-40 minutes.
While direct public transport might be limited, taxis are readily available in Kirkwall. It's also a popular destination for those exploring Orkney by car or bike.
Many visitors find renting a car or using local taxi services offers the most flexibility for exploring Orkney and visiting multiple sites like Scapa Distillery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tour prices vary depending on the experience. The 'Scapa Experience' and 'The Orcadian Visit' are popular options, with costs generally reflecting the duration and tasting included. It's best to check their official website for current pricing.
Yes, booking your tour in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular tours like 'The Orcadian Visit' or 'The Scapa Experience', to secure your preferred time slot.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the official Scapa Distillery website for the most up-to-date information on tour availability and operating times.
Children are welcome on tours, but whisky tastings are reserved for those aged 18 and over. Some tours, like 'The Orcadian Visit', mention younger family members participating.
Yes, Scapa Distillery offers various tours, including the standard 'Scapa Experience' and the more in-depth 'The Orcadian Visit', which includes a more extensive tasting and local insights.
🎫 🥃 Whisky & Tasting
You can typically taste a range of Scapa single malts, including their core expressions like Skiren and Glansa, and potentially older or special releases depending on the tour. 
Scapa is known for its unique Orcadian character. Their core range includes expressions like Scapa Skiren and Scapa Glansa, which are non-chill filtered and bottled at respectable ABVs.
Yes, the distillery shop usually offers a selection of Scapa whiskies, including some exclusive bottlings that might not be available elsewhere.
Scapa whisky is crafted using traditional methods and matured in a unique Orcadian environment, contributing to its delicate yet complex flavor profile. The use of American oak casks and a distinctive spirit cut are key.
Detailed tasting notes are usually provided during the tasting sessions, and distillery staff are knowledgeable about the aromas and flavors of each expression.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The Scapa Noust tasting room offers stunning panoramic views of Scapa Flow. Walking to Scapa Beach provides a picturesque vantage point of the distillery itself.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to ask your tour guide if photos are permitted in production areas. The tasting room and exterior offer ample photo opportunities.
Scapa Flow is a large, sheltered sea area in Orkney, historically significant as a naval base. The distillery's location offers beautiful views of this iconic landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🥃 Whisky Enthusiasts
Consider booking 'The Orcadian Visit' tour for a deeper dive into the distillery's heritage and production. Exploring independent bottlings like those from Gordon and MacPhail can also offer a broader appreciation of Scapa's character.
🚶 Day-Trippers from Mainland Scotland
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Scapa Distillery Experience
The distillery's location itself is a significant draw. The Scapa Noust tasting room is frequently described as stunning, offering breathtaking views of Scapa Flow and a calm, refined atmosphere that enhances the tasting experience. This intimate setting allows visitors to truly appreciate the delicate aromas and powerful flavors of Scapa single malts.
For those looking for a more comprehensive immersion, 'The Orcadian Visit' tour is highly recommended. It provides deeper local insights and a more extensive tasting, making it a memorable part of any Orkney itinerary. The opportunity to taste whiskies like the 10, 16, and 21-year-old expressions directly at the source is a highlight for many.
Exploring Scapa's Whisky Range
Beyond the core range, Scapa has released notable expressions such as the Scapa The Orcadian and various age statements like the 10, 16, and 21-year-olds. These older bottlings, often selected from specific casks, provide a deeper dive into the distillery's maturation capabilities and the evolution of its spirit. The Scapa 16 Year Old and Scapa 16 Price are common search terms, indicating interest in this particular expression.
+1For collectors and connoisseurs, bottlings from independent bottlers like Gordon and MacPhail offer unique perspectives on Scapa whisky, such as the Gordon and MacPhail Scapa 2005. These independent releases can sometimes showcase different cask influences or older vintages, providing a broader understanding of Scapa's potential.
The Scapa Beach and Flow Scenery
Scapa Flow itself is a vast, sheltered sea area with immense historical significance, having served as a crucial naval base. The distillery's location allows visitors to soak in these sweeping landscapes, making the whisky tasting experience even more immersive. The 'Noust' tasting room capitalizes on this, offering an intimate setting to enjoy a dram while gazing out at the iconic Orcadian scenery.
Many visitors recommend taking a stroll to Scapa Beach to capture picturesque views of the distillery and the surrounding environment. This combination of natural beauty, historical context, and the craft of whisky making creates a truly memorable visit to Orkney.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit