Glen Scotia has revealed the third whisky joining its five-part Icons of Campbeltown series. Inspired the saints and beasts represented on Campbeltown's medieval market cross, each whisky in the series is dedicated to one of the cross' legendary figures. The series' first two releases represented the mermaid and the dragon.

The third whisky pays homage to the wulver, a creature of Scottish folklore which has a wolf's head, man's body, and a coat of brown fur. A "formidable creature with a gentle soul", the wulver was said to live in a cave, fishing alone and leaving his catch for his poor neighbours at night — a generous nature which Glen Scotia is reflected in Campbeltown's distilling community.

Iain McAlister, distillery manager and master distiller at Glen Scotia, said: "Our distilling community knows a thing or two about supporting each other in times of need, just like the wulver did, as the tales are told. That same bold Campbeltown spirit is still very much alive in the town today and it is this character and quiet generosity which Glen Scotia is honouring in this latest instalment in our Icons of Campbeltown series."

For the whisky to match the creature, Glen Scotia has selected an unpeated 12-year-old whisky. The single malt was first matured in bourbon barrels before a nine-month finish in tawny port casks. The distillery says the maturation has resulted in red fruit, forest berries, and dark chocolate, complementing the maritime character of Glen Scotia's whisky. 

Ashley Smith, master blender for Glen Scotia, added: "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 whisky's label, the wulver was brought to life by Marvel artist John Holtzman, who has illustrated the three Icons of Campbeltown that so far make up the series. 

Icons of Campbeltown Release No.3 (51.7% ABV, RRP £80) is available from Glen Scotia’s website, at the distillery’s visitor centre in Campbeltown, and at Fortnum & Mason.