Campbeltown’s Glen Scotia Distillery has released its oldest expression yet — a remarkable 50-year-old single malt, launching the first chapter in the new Elements of Campbeltown collection: Release Number One: Air.
The collection draws inspiration from the Celtic Five-Fold Knot, where air, water, fire, and earth merge in harmony to form the central fifth element — spirit. Each chapter in the series will showcase one of Glen Scotia’s oldest casks, interpreting a different natural element and its influence on the whisky.
Air, the inaugural release, pays tribute to Campbeltown’s coastal environment, shaped by salty sea breezes and the passage of time. Distilled in 1973 and matured for five decades in American oak hogsheads, this 50-year-old single malt was bottled at natural cask strength — 42.3% ABV — in 2024. Just 100 bottles have been made available worldwide.
The whisky’s aroma opens with almond flakes, vanilla cream, coconut shavings, and salt crystals, evolving into notes of sweet seaweed and apple tart with ginger. On the palate, it’s creamy and complex, balancing sweetness with maritime salinity, followed by white pepper, ground ginger, and a lasting coconut finish.
To mark the release, Glen Scotia collaborated with British artist Gina Parr, who created an original oil painting capturing the essence of “air” and Campbeltown’s unique distillery atmosphere. Her work features on the ash and birch cabinet housing the whisky, designed to resemble an art gallery easel. Inside is a bespoke crystal Glencairn decanter, adorned with a fine base line symbolising air and a Celtic knot on its heavy brass stopper.
Michael Henry, Master Blender at Loch Lomond Group, said:
“It’s a privilege to care for whisky of this age. Air offers a rare opportunity to experience Glen Scotia’s character in its most mature form. The influence of time and the coastal environment shine through.”
Iain McAlister, Glen Scotia’s Master Distiller, added:
“Since 1832, our environment has left an indelible fingerprint on our spirit. Air is a masterpiece sculpted over half a century by the forces of nature and tradition.”
Glen Scotia Elements of Campbeltown: Release Number One – Air is available from May 2025 via glenscotia.com and specialist retailers, priced at £35,000.
