Scotch

Glen Scotia 7 Year Old Campbeltown Malts Festival 2026 Review

What happens when ashy Campbeltown peat meets sweet Ruby Port casks? Glen Scotia's 2026 Festival release is a smoky, fruity delight worth every penny.

OVERALL RATING

9
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Tasting Notes

About:

A medium peated Glen Scotia that has been released for this years Campbeltown Whisky Festival 2026! Matured in ex-bourbon casks and the finished for 6 months in first fill ex-Ruby Port casks. Natural colour and non-chill filtered.
Appearance:
Rose
Nose:
Sea salt and milk chocolate! Bacon fat, ashy peat smoke, raspberry sauce, vanilla fudge, spiced cherries, cinnamon and plums.
Palate:
Sweet and mellow start with a building intensity of salinity, sour blackberries, spied oranges, cloves, orange juice, chilli flakes and thyme.
Finish:
Chewy and robust with smokiness and burnt provincial herbs. A huge kick of savoury flavours with more salt, mint, sage and basil. Finishing out with nutmeg, cinnamon and brown sugar.
Comments:
Well, this is a delight! The nose is so sweet, sticky and indulgent – then you get the hit of ashy smoke and saltiness from the Campbeltown coastlines. For the money I can see this being added to everyone’s shelf this year. An excellent example of young, potent and interesting Glen Scotia.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Phil Dwyer

Phil Dwyer is a freelance whisky writer and consultant. With a decade of experience in whisky retail and nearly as long running Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, Phil is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow whisky lovers. His goal is to make whisky accessible and enjoyable, dispelling the jargon and complexity that can sometimes surround the spirit. In addition to his online presence, Phil managed The Whisky Shop Manchester, where he curated an impressive selection of some of the finest drams available.

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