Legendary Scottish distillery announces its 'oldest whisky ever'
Only 100 individually numbered crystal decanters will be available worldwide.
An iconic Scottish distillery has released its "oldest ever whisky", describing the spirit as a "masterpiece". On Thursday, May 8, Glen Scotia unveiled the Glen Scotia Elements of Campbeltown Release Number One: Air.
The new whisky is the inaugural expression in a new collection celebrating the five elements. According to the distillers, Release Number One: Air is a single malt. It was shaped by the elements of Glen Scotia 's unique Campbeltown setting.
Release Number One: Air has been five decades in the making, having been distilled in 1973 and bottled at a natural cask strength of 42.3 per cent ABV in 2024. It was fully matured in refill American oak hogshead casks in order to preserve the distillery's character.
The whisky features aromas of flaked almonds, vanilla fudge, salt crystals, seaweed, and fresh glazed apple tart. Meanwhile, tasting notes include white pepper, powdered ginger, and a lingering coconut finish.
Release Number One: Air is limited to only 100 individually numbered crystal decanters worldwide. According to Glen Scotia, it has a recommended retail price of £35,000.
Loch Lomond Group master blender Michael Henry commented: "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 celebrate the release, Glen Scotia collaborated with UK artist Gina Parr to create a unique piece of art capturing the essence of 'air' in the distillery's historic dunnage warehouse.
Parr took inspiration from Campbeltown's coastal air stream and Glen Scotia's distilling process to create an oil painting to adorn the cabinet doors concealing each whisky decanter.
The solid ash and birch display cabinet takes inspiration from an easel in an art gallery, while the bespoke Glencairn crystal decanter is housed within a white leather interior.
Created exclusively for the new collection, it includes a band around the base to represent 'air', while a Celtic knot crowns a heavy brass stopper and is presented alongside a hardback book telling the story of the single malt.
The Elements of Campbeltown Collection is inspired by the Celtic five-fold knot, featuring the elements of air, water, fire, earth, and spirit.
Drawing from Glen Scotia's oldest maturing casks, each chapter will showcase a different element and the influence it has on the spirit.
Glen Scotia has been producing whisky in Campbeltown since 1832. Today, it is one of only three surviving distilleries in the town and maintains much of its original design.
Glen Scotia master distiller and distillery manager Iain McAlister stated: "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.'
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