Glen Scotia reveals 2024 festival release

Loch Lomond Group-owned distillery Glen Scotia has unveiled its annual limited edition bottling to celebrate the Campbeltown Malts Festival.

Taking place on 20-25 May, with Glen Scotia hosting events on 21 and 22 May, the annual event celebrates the region’s whisky-making history and present. Other distilleries participating in the festival include Springbank, Glengyle and Cadenhead.

To coincide with the festival, Glen Scotia releases a yearly bottling. This year’s edition is a nine-year-old unpeated single malt that was matured in first-fill Bourbon barrels and finished in fino Sherry casks.

The 56.2% ABV expression has ‘flavours of citrus and white orchard fruit along with hints of oak spice’. The limited edition release retails for £65 (US$80).

The bottle will feature a QR code that allows consumers to enjoy the ‘Sound of Glen Scotia’, a project created by whisky expert and musician Neil Ridley, music producer Dean Horner, and Scottish singer-songwriter Jenny Sturgeon.

The QR code allows consumers to create a music track using sounds from the distillery, including team discussions, banging casks and churning mash tuns. It also includes music track ‘Copper Heart’, which was created by the trio for last year’s festival.

Iain McAlister, 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.”

As part of this year’s festival, Glen Scotia will host panels with whisky experts Dave Broom, Becky Paskin and Millie Milliken.