Glen Scotia and Bar Pepito bottle 12YO whisky

Scotch distiller Glen Scotia has partnered with London’s first dedicated Sherry bar to launch a new 12-year-old whisky.

Bottled at 53.3% ABV, the new seasonal expression was inspired by a winter’s day in Campbeltown, where Glen Scotia is based.

The single malt was matured in first-fill Bourbon barrels before being finished for 12 months in Amontillado Sherry casks from the Montilla region of southern Spain.

The resulting liquid is described as a ‘warm, nutty dram with lingering vanilla notes and a mildly dry finish’, and is said to offer the brand’s signature maritime characteristic.

The Campbeltown distillery teamed up with Bar Pepito’s chef, Nacho del Campo, to recommend dishes to complement the new single malt, including whisky-marinated gordal olives with orange and cumin, a cheese selection, dark chocolate slices, and fillet steak of Ibérico pork (grilled) with baba ghanoush.

“Spanish cooking is all about quality ingredients, very simply made, but always flavourful and fresh,” said del Campo. “The Glen Scotia Seasonal Release 2022 has a well-rounded profile that fits perfectly with Spanish cuisine. Whisky can add a real extra dynamic to food, so paired together they work very well.

“These dishes were created to enhance the experience, giving a touch of the Spanish way of life, with a twist from Scotland. Importantly, many can be recreated at home with a visit to one of the many Spanish delis around the country.”

Master distiller Iain McAllister said the new expression was a “toast to the tight-knit community of Campbeltown”.

He added: “We can think of no better emblem for that community spirit than our Campbeltown market cross, which appears on the packaging of our latest annual release. It has long been a meeting point for local celebrations, which is what this dram is all about – best enjoyed when paired with good food and exceptional company.

“Our partnership with Bar Pepito and the team has been a fantastic voyage of discovery, exploring the Amontillado flavour which plays such an important role in our latest release. The dishes from Nacho, simple yet authentic, create a new and memorable experience for whisky drinkers to try at home.”

The Seasonal Release 2022 retails at £80 (US$92) and is available to purchase from the Glen Scotia website and through UK specialist retailers.

In May 2022, Loch Lomond Group’s Glen Scotia brand released a 46-year-old single malt as its oldest whisky to date.

Glen Scotia reported 108% year-on-year growth by volume in 2021.