In the windswept coastal town of Campbeltown in Argyll and Bute, where stories and spirit share the same enduring lifeblood, Glen Scotia has introduced the third instalment in its Icons of Campbeltown collection. Each release in this five-part series draws from Campbelltown’s deep well of folklore, and this year’s chapter turns its gaze to the Wulver, a creature said to possess the body of a man, the head of a wolf, and a heart defined by quiet generosity.
This 12-year-old single malt whisky, finished in Tawny Port casks after years of maturation in bourbon barrels, captures that dual nature beautifully. It is unpeated yet bold, refined yet deeply characterful, offering bursts of red fruit and forest berries that give way to velvety notes of dark chocolate and soft oak spice. Bottled at 51.7% ABV, the limited-edition release carries the maritime signature that has defined Glen Scotia for nearly two centuries.
The Wulver’s story, drawn from the carvings on Campbeltown’s 14th-century market cross, reflects a gentler side to Scotland’s mythology, one rooted in kindness and kinship rather than fear. The tale tells of a lone creature who fished in peace and shared his catch with hungry neighbours, a parable of generosity that mirrors the spirit of this resilient coastal community.
Glen Scotia’s Master Blender, Ashley Smith, was inspired by both the symbolism of the Wulver and the textures of the Port cask finish. “The ancient market cross that inspired the Glen Scotia Icons of Campbeltown series gives us an exciting starting point to experiment with the single malts to match the mythical icons. For the third release in the series, I wanted to create a unique 12-year-old expression using the finest Tawny Port casks to finish the whisky, which have imparted rich fruity flavours paired with the subtle maritime notes that are a well-loved distinction of Glen Scotia.”
On the nose, the whisky opens with a medley of forest fruits, candied nuts, and crisp red apple wrapped in caramel sweetness. The palate unfolds with dried fig, orange peel, and smooth praline, bringing both depth and balance. The finish lingers beautifully with dark cocoa, dried fruit, and gentle vanilla oak, echoing the warmth and generosity at the heart of its inspiration.
The bottle’s label once again features artwork by John Holtzman, whose portfolio includes collaborations with Disney and Marvel. His depiction of the Wulver captures the tension between power and grace, a fitting emblem for a distillery that continues to fuse tradition with creative expression.
Following the Mermaid and the Dragon, the Wulver continues Glen Scotia’s journey through the symbols carved into Campbeltown’s storied stone as is available now via www.glenscotia.com
