Glen Scotia has announced the Elements of Campbeltown Collection, a new series that debuts with the distillery's oldest whisky released to date.
With an age statement of 50 Years Old, the expression launching the collection is the Elements of Campbeltown Release Number One: Air. The collection is inspired by the Celtic five-fold knot, which binds together air, water, fire, earth, and a fifth element in the centre, representing the spirit.
Each release in the series will showcase what effect a different element has on some of Glen Scotia's oldest maturing casks. Release Number One: Air is inspired by the maritime climate in Campbeltown, which the distillery says adds its nuance to the maturing casks over time.
The 50-year-old whisky was distilled in 1973 and matured in refill American oak hogshead casks, before bottling in 2024 at its cask strength of 42.3% ABV.
Glen Scotia says the whisky has aromas of flaked almonds, vanilla fudge, and sweet edible seaweed, and a creamy sweet and salty texture, with flavours of white pepper, powdered ginger before 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.”
To complement the whisky, Glen Scotia collaborated with artist Gina Parr, who created an oil painting inspired by the concept of 'air' in the distillery's dunnage warehouse.
Parr commented: “For me, this beautifully matured whisky mirrors my art practice – rooted in history, shaped by dedication, and inspired by nature and the elements, which are always sensory and deeply emotive.
She added: “I love being by the sea, so I knew I would be inspired by Campbeltown. But there was so much I didn’t anticipate — the stunning landscapes and textures, the beautiful curve of the harbour — all of which shaped the creative process. The distillery itself was awe-inspiring. The smells were overwhelming in the most wonderful way, weaving together the town, the spirit vapour, and the salty sea air into one evocative experience.”
Just 100 crystal decanters of Glen Scotia Elements of Campbeltown Release Number One: Air have been released worldwide. It is available at RRP £35,000 by enquiry at www.glenscotia.com and via specialist retailers from May 2025.
