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Glen Scotia
has unveiled its Campbeltown Malts
Festival 2026 limited-edition single
malt, crafted specially to mark the
annual festival. A vibrant,
port-finished whisky, which is said to
capture the bold coastal character of
Scotland's smallest whisky region.
Campbeltown's Glen Scotia distillery has
introduced its limited-edition single
malt crafted to mark the Campbeltown
Malts Festival 2026, an event that draws
whisky fans from around the world to
Scotland's smallest whisky region each
May.
The Glen Scotia Campbeltown Malts
Festival 2026 bottling release is said
to continue the distillery's reputation
for producing bold annual expressions
with compelling flavour profiles.
Matured for seven years, this
medium-peated single malt began ageing
in first-fill bourbon barrels before
receiving a six-month finish in ruby
port casks. The result is they tell me
is a lively, multi-layered whisky that
combines sweet red fruit, soft peat
smoke and warm spice, all underscored by
the distinctive maritime character tied
to the coastal heritage of Glen Scotia.
Located in the historic whisky town of
Campbeltown—once celebrated as the
"Victorian whisky capital of the
world"—the distillery continues to
uphold traditional production methods.
Its small team uses compact stills to
deliver the robust Campbeltown style
that has earned significant recognition
at major international competitions.
The festival itself is a key moment in
the distillery’s calendar, welcoming
thousands of visitors who come to
experience both its whisky and the famed
hospitality of the "Wee Toon." The 2026
edition pays tribute not only to the
whisky but also to the community that
shapes the town’s enduring spirit.
Presented in a premium navy-blue box,
the 2026 festival release includes an
interactive on-pack feature. A QR code
invites whisky lovers into the
distillery, offering an inside look at
the people whose skill and dedication
define its character.
Ashley Smith, master blender at Glen
Scotia, said: "This year’s Festival
Release is a true celebration of Glen
Scotia’s big Campbeltown character. It
offers Glen Scotia's distinctive
maritime salinity, which is complemented
with layers of gentle peat, and vibrant
red fruit and warming spice brought by
the ruby port cask finish. It’s a whisky
that evolves on the palate and brings an
element of surprise.
"The Campbeltown Malts Festival is
always a special time for us, when the
town comes alive with visitors from
around the world. With this year’s
on-pack experience, we’re giving people
a glimpse inside the distillery in our
remote corner of Scotland and the people
whose passion shapes every drop.
"Campbeltown may be small, but it has a
big personality and a proud heritage.
This year’s festival bottling is our way
of capturing that spirit in the glass
for our community to enjoy."
Festival events on 19–20 May 2026 will
highlight the region’s deep
whisky-making history. A programme of
free and ticketed sessions will give
visitors the chance to explore the
distillery’s story and enjoy a selection
of its standout drams.
Workshops will include Big Campbeltown
Character, an exploration of tropical
fruit notes, coastal influence and the
oily texture of the new Glen Scotia 12
Year Old hosted by Michael Henry of the
Loch Lomond Group.
A Deconstructed Festival Release 2026
tasting will feature brand ambassador
Gary Mills, who will walk visitors
through the craftsmanship behind this
year’s bottling. Meanwhile, Port to
Port—led by master blender Ashley
Smith—will trace the maritime roots of
Campbeltown and explore how sherry, rum
and wine casks continue to shape the
distillery’s style.
The Glen Scotia Campbeltown Malts
Festival 2026 bottling is non-chill
filtered, released at a cask strength of
53.9% ABV, and is priced at £59 and will
be available from specialist online whisky
shops such as
The Whisky Exchange
and
Master of Malt
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