Glen Scotia distillery has marked a significant milestone with the release of its oldest ever whisky. The remarkable 50-year-old single malt scotch combines exceptional spirit with artistry inspired by Campbeltown, Scotland’s smallest whisky distilling region. The Elements of Campbeltown Collection is inspired by the Celtic five-fold knot, where air, water, fire, and earth combine to create the fifth element: spirit. For the first release in the series Gina Parr has created a unique artwork representing Air.
The Elements of Campbeltown Collection Release Number One: Air
Release number one in Glen Scotia’s new Elements of Campbeltown Collection was distilled in 1973 and bottled in 2024 at a natural cask strength of 42.3% ABV. For this release one of The Whiskey Wash team was fortunate try this incredible expression, you can read his tasting notess here. At 50 years old Air will be the oldest release by the award winning Campbeltown distillery. It has been fully matured in refill American oak hogshead casks to preserve the distillery’s distinctive character at this impressive age.
Campbeltown on the west coast of Scotland was once known as the whisky capital of the world, with over 30 distilleries operating at its peak. Today Glen Scotia is one of just three distilleries that have endured the ups and downs of the scotch whisky industry. Springbank is arguably the region’s most well known distillery but Glen Scotia releases tend to lean more toward a fruitier take on the distinctive maritime notes crafted by the rugged climate. This release celebrates both the distillery’s heritage and the natural environment that has shaped its character over generations.
Master Distiller Iain McAlister emphasizes the influence of Campbeltown’s unique climate on this historic release: “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.”
The coastal influence is evident throughout the whisky, with the official tasting notes observing hints of salinity between complex layers of baked orchard and tropical fruits.
Whisky as Art: Creative Collaborations in Premium Scotch
For their oldest ever release Glen Scotia has partnered with UK artist Gina Parr to create a unique piece of art that captures the essence of ‘air’ within the distillery’s historic dunnage warehouse.
Parr notably began her creative journey in the same year the whisky was distilled and draws parallels between how she creates her art and whisky maturation: “For me, this beautifully matured whisky mirrors my art practice—rooted in history, shaped by dedication, and inspired by nature and the elements, which are always sensory and deeply emotive.”
Parr has crafted an oil painting depicting the coastal air stream and representing the distilling process, which adorns the cabinet doors that house each bespoke whisky decanter. The presentation case itself has also been designed to resemble an easel in an art gallery and features coastal tones and amber hues that reflect Campbeltown’s environment and the whisky itself. Finally, a bespoke Glencairn crystal decanter with a Celtic knot-crowned brass stopper contains the precious 50-year-old scotch.
This artistic approach to whisky presentation represents a growing trend in the ultra-premium spirits category, where brands increasingly recognize that exceptional aged whiskies deserve equally distinctive artistic expressions that tell their story beyond the liquid itself.
A Scotch Symphony 50 Years In The Making
“Responsibility for whisky of this age, where the passage of time shapes and moulds the character of the spirit is a privilege,” explains Michael Henry, Loch Lomond Group master blender. “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.”
The official tasting notes comment:
Appearance: 24CT gold with tawny lights.
Aroma: A profound, mellow and rounded nose with a kaleidoscopic aroma. Initial top notes of flaked almonds, vanilla fudge, Scotch tablet and desiccated coconut. Later comes Glen Scotia’s classic maritime character: salt crystals, boat varnish, sweet edible seaweed. A suggestion of French glazed apple tart and traces of ginger.
Taste: A creamy texture that starts sweet and becomes distinctly salty mid-palate, before finishing slightly tart. A pinch of white pepper and powdered ginger, with a lingering after taste of coconut. Initially sweeter at reduced strength, and not quite so spicy.
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Glen Scotia Elements of Campbeltown Release Number One: Air will be limited to only 100 individually numbered crystal decanters worldwide and has an RRP of $47,000 (£35,000). It will be available via specialist retailers or by enquiry at www.glenscotia.com from May 2025. This exceptional release demonstrates how time, place, craftsmanship, and artistic vision can combine to create not just a whisky, but a multisensory experience that elevates scotch whisky to the realm of fine art. As this is the first in what will presumably be a five part series, we look forward to seeing future expressions chosen to represent the Elements of Campbeltown.
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