Rites Of Passage Orkney 16 Years Single Malt

Overview
Rites of Passage Orkney 16 Years Single Malt is a premium aged single malt Scotch from the Orkney Islands, where the rugged maritime climate shapes whiskies with distinctive minerality and subtlety. This 16-year expression highlights the region's tradition of balanced, characterful spirits.

Specs at a glance

Good to know
Orkney whisky production, centered around distilleries like Highland Park and Scapa, benefits from the islands' peaty water sources and coastal exposure, yielding malts with heather, brine, and soft peat influences. The Rites of Passage series celebrates these elemental stages of maturation.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Heather honey, sea spray, and faint orchard fruit emerge alongside subtle earthy peat.
• Palate: Silky texture with notes of toffee, dried herbs, and a whisper of smoke; maritime salinity balances gentle spice.
• Finish: Medium-length with lingering malt sweetness and coastal minerality.

Notable details

• Production: Likely matured in ex-bourbon and sherry casks, typical for Orkney independents; non-chill filtered.
• Lineage: Orkney's whisky heritage traces to 1790s illicit distilling, formalized by Highland Park in 1825.
• Comparison: Evokes Highland Park's phenolic subtlety without heavy Islay smoke.
• Availability: Rare independent release, sought by collectors.

Closing
A contemplative sipper for those appreciating Orkney's refined, windswept elegance.