Glen Scotia 12yo Icons Of Campbeltown The Mermaid

Glen Scotia is one of the last three working distilleries surviving in Campbeltown, which at one time rivalled Speyside for the number of distilleries and output of whisky. The distillery was founded in 1832 by Stewart Galbraith, whose family held it until the end of that century.

Since then it has changed hands several times,including a spell of ownership in the 1950s by Hiram Walker (who also owned Scapa). Glen Scotia has been owned by Loch Lomond Distillers since 1996.

The distillery is said to be haunted by one of its previous owners, Duncan MacCallum, who drowned himself in Campbeltown Loch in 1930 after realising he had beentricked out of a fortune in a dodgy business deal. Stylistically, Glen Scotia is medium-bodied, with faint traces of smoke and a hint of brine.

Introducing the new Icons of Campbeltown series: a celebration of the Campbeltown community that ensured Glen Scotia prevailed through history. Taking inspiration from the Campbeltown Market Cross – a historic community meeting point for celebration and storytelling, with a series of saints and beasts carved into its stone face – each release recalls a tale of local community spirit. Glen Scotia has partnered with celebrated artist, Joel Holtzman (Lucasfilm, Marvel, Disney, Macmillan) to bring each of the icons to life.

Release 1, is to celebrate the community sighting of a mermaid on the local shores. To pay homage to this special event, Glen Scotia have selected an equally special Palo Cortado sherry cask finishing to compliment this unpeated coastal and saline cask strength spirit.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Rich, mellow and slightly drying. Maritime salt crystals, boat varnish, edible seaweed. Thick fruity tarte tatin, Dundee Seville marmalade and tablet toffee.

Palate: A creamy texture, lightly sweet centre palate glazed with French apple tart and a pinch of salt.

Finish: Long and warming with a savoury aftertaste and spicy finish.