CAMPBELTOWN
Campbeltown distillery Glen Scotia has unveiled its oldest and rarest limited-edition whisky to date.
The distillery, founded in 1832, is releasing a 46-year-old single malt with only 150 individually numbered bottles available worldwide.
Glen Scotia was crowned ‘best in class’ at the World Spirits Competition 2021, then Scottish Distillery of the Year at the Scottish Whisky Awards in December last year.
In the winter of 1974, former Glen Scotia distillery manager Mike Smith and his team finished their last production of the year amid a four-year programme of investment and renovation that spelled opportunity and a great sense of optimism for the town.
However, these final years also marked the end of a special chapter, defined by the team’s tradition, care, craftsmanship and an old way of doing things.
It was these final casks that have lain quietly maturing under the care of various distillery managers until today.
The liquid of the 46-year-old was originally laid down in refill bourbon casks and gently matured for 36 years before being re-casked in first-fill bourbon casks in 2011.
It has then been finished for four years in Oloroso sherry butts, giving it an elegant and velvet-like finish. The tropical fruits, subtle maritime nuances and creamy notes encapsulate Glen Scotia’s signature distillery character. The whisky is presented in a handmade oak display case. Inside, an oak tile rests beneath the bottle, holding a plaque with the individual bottle number, tasting notes and the single malt’s story.
With an estimated retail price of £6,750 per 70cl bottle, the release is set to draw attention from global collectors and whisky enthusiasts looking for a slice of Glen Scotia’s artistry in whisky-making.
To mark its release, Glen Scotia has partnered with distinguished whisky writer Dave Broom to uncover the tale of this rare dram in a new short film, shot at the distillery’s dunnage with distillery manager and master distiller Iain McAlister.
Mr Broom said: ‘It is intriguing to think this 46-year-old liquid was nominated to be kept back time and time again by various hands, passing through the care of generations of different distillery managers until today.
‘Whisky is about understanding and managing change. This dram speaks of the past, but also of the future, and the respect which today’s custodians of Glen Scotia have for the whiskies in their care.’