Unveiling Glen Scotia’s Oldest Ever Whisky –The Elements of Campbeltown Collection Release Number One: Air
Campbeltown distillery, Glen Scotia has released a remarkable new 50-year-old whisky – a single malt masterpiece shaped by the elements of the unique geographic setting and refined by the craftsmanship of human hands.
The inaugural expression in a new collection, Glen Scotia Elements of Campbeltown Release Number One: Air marks a pivotal moment in the distillery’s history, as its oldest ever release.
The Elements of Campbeltown Collection takes inspiration from the Celtic five-fold knot, as air, water, fire and earth bind together in perfect harmony to create the fifth circle in the centre denoting the spirit. Drawing from Glen Scotia’s oldest maturing casks, each chapter will showcase a different element and the influence it has on the spirit.
A celebration of the distinctive character of Scotland’s smallest whisky region; and testament to the environment that has shaped it over generations, Release Number One: Air captures Campbeltown’s maritime climate and the subtle nuances it weaves into the whisky over time. Every drop is a tribute to the patience, precision, place and power of nature that have played a part in its creation.
Five decades in the making, the precious Glen Scotia 50 Year Old was distilled in 1973 and bottled at a natural cask strength of 42.3% ABV in 2024. Fully matured in refill American oak hogshead casks to preserve the distillery’s character at this exceptional age, the coastal influence is woven into the flavour of the spirit, creating hints of salinity between complex and ever-changing layers of baked orchard and tropical fruits.
This single malt brings an array of aromas, from flaked almonds, vanilla fudge and salt crystals to sweet edible seaweed and fresh glazed apple tart. There is a medley of flavours with a creamy sweet and salty texture, white pepper, powdered ginger and a lingering coconut finish.
Michael Henry, Loch Lomond Group master blender, said: “Responsibility for whisky of this age, where the passage of time shapes and moulds the character of the spirit is a privilege. With the first release in this milestone collection for Glen Scotia, I want to give people the opportunity to experience our distillery character at this remarkable age and showcase how time has shaped it.
“Matured exclusively in American oak, with its more subtle, supportive cask influence, the character shines through. Bringing this whisky to its optimum condition has been through knowing the character of the spirit, its interplay with the wood and thoughtful cask management, with a vision already laid down for future releases that will bring people on an incredible journey.”
Five decades in the making, the precious Glen Scotia 50 Year Old was distilled in 1973 and bottled at a natural cask strength of 42.3% ABV in 2024. Fully matured in refill American oak hogshead casks to preserve the distillery’s character at this exceptional age, the coastal influence is woven into the flavour of the spirit, creating hints of salinity between complex and ever-changing layers of baked orchard and tropical fruits.
This single malt brings an array of aromas, from flaked almonds, vanilla fudge and salt crystals to sweet edible seaweed and fresh glazed apple tart. There is a medley of flavours with a creamy sweet and salty texture, white pepper, powdered ginger and a lingering coconut finish.
Michael Henry, Loch Lomond Group master blender, said: “Responsibility for whisky of this age, where the passage of time shapes and moulds the character of the spirit is a privilege. With the first release in this milestone collection for Glen Scotia, I want to give people the opportunity to experience our distillery character at this remarkable age and showcase how time has shaped it.
“Matured exclusively in American oak, with its more subtle, supportive cask influence, the character shines through. Bringing this whisky to its optimum condition has been through knowing the character of the spirit, its interplay with the wood and thoughtful cask management, with a vision already laid down for future releases that will bring people on an incredible journey.”
Limited to only 100 individually numbered crystal decanters worldwide, Glen Scotia Elements of Campbeltown Release Number One: Air has an RRP of £35,000 and is available by enquiry at www.glenscotia.com and in specialist retailers from May 2025.
Glen Scotia has been producing whisky in Campbeltown since 1832 and is one of only three surviving distilleries in the town which was once known as the ‘Victorian whisky capital of the world’. Maintaining much of its original design, including the stillroom, and the dunnage warehouse, to this day, the distillery follows in the footsteps of its founders, using traditional methods, carefully creating the subtly maritime Campbeltown style it is renowned for.
Iain McAlister, Glen Scotia master distiller and distillery manager added: “Since 1832, our climate has left a fingerprint on our spirit as enduring as the generations that cared for it. While times may change, the effects of the natural forces endure through the decades. ‘Air’ is a masterpiece sculpted by the elements for half a century, its scent a symphony of natural elements and timeless tradition. It is remarkable to think about all the hands this 50-year-old would have passed through, each inheriting it and opting to let it continue its journey beyond them until this optimal moment.”
For further information about Glen Scotia or Glen Scotia Elements of Campbeltown Release Number One: Air, visit www.glenscotia.com/
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