Glen Scotia Victoriana Cask Strength

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 been tricked 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.

For the Victoriana release, Glen Scotia’s master distiller hand selects the casks from the reserve cellar. Each cask is chosen for its rare character and exceptional maturity. Finished in deep charred oak, the result is an exceptionally smooth single malt whisky whose aroma and flavour work in harmony.

Bottled in the traditional way straight from the cask and without filtration, its subtle wood and vanilla flavour is enhanced by a full bodied spicy fruit aroma and mildly smokey aftertaste.

Tasting Notes

Nose: An elegant nose with hints of oak driving the bouquet. Interesting creme brulee notes leading to generous caramelised fruits and finally polished oak and citrus peels.

Palate: Sweet and concentrated start with some jammy blackcurrant fruitiness. A big mid palate. Typical tightening towards the back palate. Becomes more austere with water but still with dark berry juiciness at its core.

Finish: Clean and initially sweet. Orchard fruits dusted with dark chocolate.