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Glen Scotia
unveils 50 Year Old: 'Elements of
Campbeltown Release No. One: Air'
Glen Scotia, the renowned Campbeltown
distillery, has unveiled its oldest and
most distinguished expression to date—a
50 Year Old single malt whisky. Crafted
by time and the forces of nature, this
extraordinary release is the first in
the new Elements of Campbeltown
collection.
Titled Glen Scotia 50 Year Old Elements
of Campbeltown – Release Number One:
Air, this inaugural bottling marks a
historic milestone for the distillery.
Inspired by the Celtic five-fold knot,
the collection celebrates the elemental
forces—air, water, fire, and earth—that
converge to form the fifth central
symbol: spirit. Each release in the
series will explore the influence of one
elemental force on Glen Scotia’s oldest
maturing whiskies.
A tribute to Campbeltown’s rugged
coastal character and maritime climate,
Release No. One: Air is said to
encapsulate the subtle atmospheric
qualities that shape the spirit over
decades. It honours not only the unique
environment but also the dedication and
expertise of those who have nurtured it
across generations.
Distilled in 1973 and bottled in 2024 at
a natural cask strength of 42.3% ABV,
this rare whisky spent its full
maturation in refill American oak
hogsheads—preserving Glen Scotia’s
signature character while drawing
influence from the sea. The result is a
richly complex profile, where gentle
salinity intertwines with evolving notes
of baked orchard fruits and tropical
tones.
On the nose, it is said to reveal flaked
almonds, vanilla fudge, sea salt
crystals, sweet seaweed, and freshly
glazed apple tart. The palate unfolds in
waves—creamy, sweet and salty, layered
with white pepper, powdered ginger, and
a lingering coconut finish.
This rare 50 Year Old single malt is a
celebration of elemental harmony, human
craftsmanship, and the enduring spirit
of Campbeltown.
Michael Henry, Loch Lomond Group (Glen
Scotia's parent company) 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 mark the launch, Glen Scotia has
partnered with UK artist Gina Parr to
create a one-of-a-kind artwork that
captures the spirit of ‘air’ within the
distillery’s historic dunnage
warehouse—where salty sea breezes mingle
with dense spirit vapours, creating a
unique and evocative atmosphere.
Drawing inspiration from Campbeltown’s
windswept coastline and Glen Scotia’s
distillation process, Gina Parr crafted
an abstract oil painting that embodies
the sensory experience of her visit.
This artwork adorns the cabinet doors of
each release, reflecting the intangible
yet distinct character of the distillery
and its surroundings as shaped by air.
The whisky is presented in a handcrafted
display cabinet made of solid ash and
birch, its form reminiscent of an
artist’s easel. The exterior, finished
in deep coastal hues and warm amber
tones chosen by Parr, echoes both the
landscape and the whisky itself. Inside,
a bespoke white leather-lined interior
cradles a custom Glencairn crystal
decanter, designed exclusively for the
Elements of Campbeltown collection. The
decanter features a fine band
symbolising air at its base, while a
Celtic knot, cast in heavy brass, crowns
the stopper. Accompanying the decanter
is a hardback book chronicling the story
behind this remarkable single malt.
Gina Parr said: "Glen Scotia 50 Year Old
started life in the same year I embarked
on my own creative journey. 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. I am
honoured to have been given the
opportunity to collaborate with Glen
Scotia for this very special release.
"My work is driven by the sights and
experiences of living and working in a
coastal town in Devon. 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."
Founded in 1832, Glen Scotia is one of
just three remaining distilleries in
Campbeltown—a town once hailed as the
"Victorian whisky capital of the world."
Steeped in history, the distillery still
retains much of its original
architecture, including the iconic
stillroom and dunnage warehouse.
Honouring the legacy of its founders,
Glen Scotia continues to produce whisky
using time-honoured techniques,
carefully crafting the subtly maritime
Campbeltown style for which it is
celebrated.
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."
Limited to just 100 individually
numbered crystal decanters globally,
Glen Scotia Elements of Campbeltown
Release No. One: Air is priced at
Ł35,000 RRP and will be available from
May 2025 by enquiry at
www.glenscotia.com and through select specialist online whisky
shops such as
The Whisky Exchange
and
Master of Malt
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