Grassy Bar oysters from California, yet another take

28x Grassy Bar oyster
Morro Bay, CA
Species: Pacific oyster (Magallana gigas)

Take 4 (previous one here)


Medium-sized shells with a greenish-yellow hue and bluish-purple patches. Beautifully fluted, frilled, and deeply cupped, they make a striking impression while carrying a slightly musty, swampy aroma. Effortless to shuck, these oysters reveal plump, juicy meat that fills the shell to the brim. The flavor is boldly saline, with pronounced notes of fresh cucumber, mustard, and a distinctive astringent minerality, finishing with nuttiness and a hint of Camembert cheese.

Grown at the namesake farm in Morro Bay, these oysters belong to the classic Miyagi strain of Magallana gigas. The farm has recently begun cultivating the Midori strain, though those remain scarce, and I wasn't yet able to get my hands on any. Their standard oysters, however, never disappoint. I make a habit of picking up two dozen from their retail store whenever I visit Morro Bay, and they often throw in a few extra — last Saturday, my "two dozen" turned into 28.

Scapa 16YO tasting notes

Scapa 16YO OB 70cl 48% ABV
Small Batch
Bottle code LKPV4453 2024/08/08 14:48


Color: dark gold.
Nose: heather, clay, rhubarb compote, chocolate-dipped cherries, tar soap, dried apricots, salted caramel, sea breeze, honey, papaya, orange zest, wax, brewed tea, vanilla, and wool. Thick, distinctive, and captivating.
Taste: honey, apples, apple seeds, tangerines, dark chocolate, pepper, salt, cloves, lemons, and peaches. A very drinkable malt, though not overly complex.
Finish: apples, oranges, oak, pepper, salt, lemons, dark chocolate, pears, and almonds.
Score: 8 ½. Good. +2+1+1.

Conclusion: the old Scapa 16YO was discontinued in 2015, leaving the distillery’s core range dependent on inferior NAS releases for a while. Now, this Orkney malt makes a welcome return in a gorgeous bottle and with a higher ABV — because, let's be honest, nobody wants 80 proof whisky anymore; that was your grandfather's beverage. Comparing it to my old notes, the new 16YO feels notably different from its predecessor, though my last Scapa tasting happened in 2011. A well-crafted dram, great to have it back. 86/100, I like the saltiness. The Orkney Islands have more to offer than just Highland Park.