The single malt, which showcases the maritime influence of the region, was launched at the Campbeltown Whisky Festival on Wednesday 24th May.
Picture: Glen Scotia
Founded in 1832, Glen Scotia distillery, was recently named the Best Campbeltown Distillery of the Year at the 2017 Berlin International Spirits Competition, and is one of only three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown.
The Argyll town was once known as the “Victorian Whisky Capital of the World” when there were over 30 distilleries operating on the Kintyre Peninsula, and the region is recognised as one of the main five alongside Islay, the Lowlands, the Highlands and Speyside, by the Scotch Whisky Association.
Michael Henry, who is Master Blender for Loch Lomond Group, which owns the distillery, explianed that the new expression was designed to reflect the history and characteristics of the region, he said: “I created the 25 year old with the history of Campbeltown in mind.
"For many years, trade has come through this port town bringing fruits and spices from all over the world on its salty sea breezes. I wanted the liquid to reflect this.
“The signature nose has hints of vanilla oak, interwoven with subtle notes of sea spray and spicy aromatic fruits. On the palate, it boasts tangy orange and juicy red apples mixed with a caramel sweetness. Its finish is a long lingering taste of sea salt with a spicy note of ground ginger.”
Bottled at 48.8% ABV and non-chill filtered for increased depth of character and flavour, the liquid has been matured in the finest American oak barrels, before each cask is hand selected by Michael Henry and then married in first fill bourbon casks for a final 12 months before bottling.
Iain McAlister, Glen Scotia distillery manager, said: “We’re extremely proud of our newly released 25 year old malt and we’re confident that everyone who gives it a try is going to love it too.
Iain McAlister and Charles MacLean. Picture: Raymond Hosie
"In recent years, our single malts have won some major industry awards and I can see our 25 year old challenging the current leaders for a few more titles.
“While our 25 year old maintains the unique character associated with Glen Scotia single malts, its gentle maturation in American oak and then finished in first fill bourbon casks delivers an intense depth and a nose that will have drinkers almost feeling the Atlantic breeze blowing in over the Campbeltown coast.”
The 25 year old won also praise from renowned whisky writer Charles MacLean, who was invited by the distillery to conduct his own tasting of the new malt at its launch.
Renowned whisky expert Charles MacLean. Picture: Raymond Hosie
He said: “I’m very impressed by Glen Scotia’s new 25 year old. Even on the nose you can detect the age.
“It has all the characteristics that you’d expect from Glen Scotia but with a roundness to it. It is very nice indeed.”
The single malt will be stocked in all good whisky shops from June and will retail at £250 for each 70cl bottle. The emblematic Glen Scotia bottle is also presented in an oak case engraved with the coordinates of Campbeltown .
