A hidden gem steeped in history and with local traditions at the heart, the Scapa Noust offers an unparalleled whisky tasting experience in Scotland. 

This April, Scapa Distillery in Orkney is opening its new and intimate whisky tasting room, the Scapa Noust. Welcoming Single Malt fans and adventurers alike, the tasting room will offer uniquely immersive experiences for those looking to taste exceptional whisky in a spectacular destination, including The Cask Finished Edition, Scapa 19-Year-Old Pedro Ximénez hogshead finish, which launches as the newest addition to the Scapa Distillery Reserve Collection. 

The Scapa Noust Tasting Room and experience 

The distinctive clifftop location overlooking the natural harbour of the Scapa Flow and dramatic Orcadian landscape makes the Scapa Noust a truly special location to taste whisky. Tucked away on the Northern Isles of Scotland and surrounded by the elements, the Scapa Noust welcomes visitors to enjoy a dram of Scapa whisky Single Malt in an inviting and warm setting. 

With 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. After a tour of the working distillery and warehouse, up to twelve guests can enjoy tastings of Scapa Single Malt whisky around a central hand-carved long table featuring ripples inspired by the sea, whilst seated under a statement ceiling, crafted in the style of a traditional fishing boat’s interior. Visitors will take in views through the floor to ceiling glass, looking out over the Scapa Flow, an underwater landmark site where a shipwreck of a sunken fleet resides. Inside the Scapa Noust, there are nautical design touches from the local area as a reminder of the area’s history, including a traditional naval radio desk donated by a local Orcadian, as well as a helmet which is over 100 years old and was used by the British navy up until the 1970s. 

Designed by a local Orcadian architect Mark Fresson, the tasting room pays homage to the traditions and crafts of the Orkney islands. Cassie stone from across the island has been re-used and repurposed outside, using a technique hailing from Medieval times. There are also examples of locally crafted and rare Orcadian basket weave inside. The Scapa Noust encompasses the contrast of wild and calm: being both surrounded by the harsh elements and cliff edge lapped by the sea, while also inside an oasis of tranquillity as a nod to the welcoming warmth of the Orcadian community.