Campbeltown in Argyll and Bute once reigned as the whisky capital of the world. Its Victorian heyday saw dozens of distilleries lining the town, each producing distinctive malts shaped by the salty air of the Kintyre Peninsula. Today, only a handful remain, but Glen Scotia has endured, carrying the torch for this proud whisky town and playing a central role in its recent revival.
Now, the distillery has introduced a 12-year-old single malt, a release that places Campbeltown’s bold character firmly in the spotlight. Matured exclusively in first-fill bourbon casks, the whisky captures the maritime influence and fruity richness that define Glen Scotia’s house style.
The bottle itself tells part of the story. Wrapped in royal blue and chalk white, the design draws inspiration from the distillery’s iconic dunnage warehouse door and exterior walls. This new identity will extend across the Glen Scotia range, reflecting both its deep-rooted heritage and its resilient, small-town craftsmanship.
On the nose, it opens with the freshness of sea air, layered with honeyed vanilla and exotic tropical fruits. The palate follows with wonderful depth, offering caramelised sugar, tangy citrus and vibrant pineapple, gently balanced by toasted oak. The finish is long and warming, with a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg spice that lingers pleasantly.
Glen Scotia’s growing reputation has been underlined by a string of awards in recent years, including ‘Best in Show Whisky’ at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its 25 Year Old, and Distillery of the Year at the Scottish Whisky Awards. The new 12 Year Old joins a line-up that includes 10, 15, 18 and 25 Year Old expressions, each showcasing a different facet of the distillery’s style, from briny maritime notes to rich, tropical sweetness.
With an ABV of 46%, natural colour and non-chill filtration, the Glen Scotia 12 Year Old is available now through glenscotia.com
