Glen Scotia is launching a 30-year-old single malt as part of its new Spirit Safe collection with the distillery's artist in residence Alice Angus.
Scottish artist Angus spent several months in Campbeltown sketching and painting the distillery and its surroundings before curating four original works, which will be used on limited-edition packaging for the new expression.
These artworks will be presented on a run of just 120 bottles (on premium display boxes and the bottle labels), with a recommended price of £2,000 per bottle. In addition, Glen Scotia plans to sell Angus’s four original artworks with the proceeds going to charity.
The spirit for the new 30-year-old release was matured in European oak casks and bottled non-chill filtered at 47.3% ABV. It was first laid down in 1989, when Glen Scotia reopened following a five-year pause in production, a change of ownership, and distillery renovations. Current owner Loch Lomond Group said very few casks remain from this period in the Campbeltown distillery's history.
Angus's four artworks – named First Water, Heart of the Run, Labour of Years, and Time and Tide – have been designed to pay homage to the history and production process at Glen Scotia.
Iain McAlister, distillery manager and master distiller at Glen Scotia, said: “This is a remarkable launch for us – not only are we unveiling a very special highly limited 30-year-old single malt whisky, but also this stunning packaging from our artist in residence and friend, Alice Angus. Her artworks are a reminder of the fascinating history of Glen Scotia through the ages. Now commemorated in the Spirit Safe collection, these are a wonderful addition to any whisky enthusiast’s collection.
“The liquid itself is an incredibly distinguished single malt whisky. It is intriguing to look back upon the creation and craft of a distillery team from a different era, who have created a whisky full of flavour and personality, from the freshness of the apples to the spice of the ginger, and that wonderful long, sugary and saline finish.”
Alice Angus, Glen Scotia artist-in-residence, added: "My Spirit Safe series is inspired by the generations of dedicated people, the Campbeltown community, the unique landscape, the ingredients, skills, engineering, and care that goes into making Glen Scotia; and all rhythms of time across hours, years, and decades involved in its creation.
“What started as a one-off residency has grown into a longer-term partnership of new projects and exciting collaborations. Glen Scotia is a mesmerising place, and I am so grateful to the team for always making me welcome, supporting my work and sharing their stories and knowledge."
The Spirit Safe collection is available now via glenscotia.com and specialist retailers.
