Glen Scotia is putting fino sherry centre stage in its limited-edition release for the Campbeltown Malts Festival 2024.
The annual two-day festival, taking place this year on 21 and 22 May, celebrates the past and present of the Scottish town that was dubbed the 'Victorian whisky capital of the world'. For followers of the festival, Glen Scotia's annual festival editions are an anticipated highlight.
This year's release is a nine-year-old unpeated single malt that was matured in first-fill bourbon barrels before a six-month finish period in fino sherry casks. Tasting notes supplied by Glen Scotia say the whisky has vibrant citrus flavours, white orchard fruit, and oak spice.
Buyers will be able to scan a QR code on the pack and enjoy a virtual visit to the distillery through the 'Sound of Glen Scotia'. The experimental project was conducted ahead of last year's festival by whisky expert and musician Neil Ridley, music producer Dean Horner, and Scottish singer-songwriter Jenny Sturgeon, with the aim to capture soundbites from distillery life.
Iain McAlister, Glen Scotia master distiller and distillery manager, said: “This 2024 Festival Release bottles the unique and exciting atmosphere of the Malts Festival — a delicious dram which is quintessentially Glen Scotia, with our distinct salty maritime note and salinity, as well as being bold and punchy, appealing to those looking for something a little more unconventional.
“With tickets for our events selling out in record time this year, it is an increasing priority for us to share the spirit and character of our remote whisky home with our fans around the world who cannot make the festival. The on-pack virtual experience does just that, and our discerning aficionados can transport themselves inside the walls of the distillery in what is a wonderful experience for any whisky fan.”
The Glen Scotia Campbeltown Malts Festival 2024 release is bottled at cask strength (56.2% ABV) with natural colour and is non-chill filtered. It will be available to purchase from 23 April online and through specialist global retailers at a recommended price of £65.
While only three distilleries currently operate in Campbeltown — Glen Scotia, Glengyle, and Springbank — plans are afoot for three more: the Dal Riata Distillery, which secured planning permission in September 2023; Witchburn, which will be operated by Glasgow-based bottler and blender Brave New Spirits; and Machrihanish, proposed by Isle of Raasay Distillery owner R&B Distillers.
More information about this year’s Campbeltown Malts Festival can be found at glenscotia.com.
