SANTA ROSA, CA, September 30, 2025 — Glen Scotia, the historic Campbeltown distillery dating back to the 19th century, has announced its oldest expression to date: the Glen Scotia 50-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky. This release, the first in the new Elements of Campbeltown Collection, is titled Release No. 1: Air and carries a retail value of $50,000 USD. Only 10 bottles will be made available in the U.S. by special request. Interested collectors may contact GlenScotia50@ffws.com for purchase details.
Five Decades in the Making
Distilled in 1973 and bottled at natural cask strength (42.3% ABV) in 2024, the Glen Scotia 50-Year-Old matured in refill American oak hogshead casks. This careful aging preserves the distillery’s signature maritime Campbeltown character, even at this exceptional age.
The whisky reveals coastal influences of salinity, white pepper, and powdered ginger, layered with baked orchard fruits, tropical notes, and a lingering coconut finish. Aromas include flaked almonds, vanilla fudge, sea spray, and glazed apple tart.
A Rare Expression of Campbeltown Character
“Responsibility for whisky of this age, where the passage of time shapes the spirit, is a privilege,” says Michael Henry, Master Blender of Loch Lomond Group. “With this milestone release, we want to showcase how time has transformed Glen Scotia’s distillery character.”
The bottle design reflects the elemental theme, inspired by the Celtic five-fold knot symbolizing air, water, fire, earth, and spirit. Each whisky is presented in a bespoke Glencairn crystal decanter, crowned with a brass stopper and housed in a solid ash and birch cabinet featuring an original artwork by UK artist Gina Parr, who drew inspiration from the maritime air of Glen Scotia’s dunnage warehouse.
Glen Scotia Heritage
Founded in 1832, Glen Scotia is one of only three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown, once known as the “Victorian whisky capital of the world.” The distillery remains true to its origins, maintaining its original stillroom and dunnage warehouse while producing whisky in the traditional Campbeltown style.
Glen Scotia has earned international acclaim in recent years, including:
- 2021: Glen Scotia 25-Year-Old named Best in Show Whisky at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
- 2021: Named Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year at the Scottish Whisky Awards.
- 2022: Glen Scotia Victoriana awarded Best in Class at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Availability
- Name: Glen Scotia 50-Year-Old Elements of Campbeltown Release No. 1: Air
- ABV: 42.3% (Natural Cask Strength)
- Bottled: 2024 (Distilled 1973)
- Price: $50,000 USD
- U.S. Availability: 10 bottles by special request
To learn more, visit us.glenscotia.com.
Listen to Bourbon Lens on your favorite podcast app or stream on Spotify. If you’d like to support Bourbon Lens, join our Patreon, sign up for our “Weekly Pour” Newsletter, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Recent Bourbon Lens Coverage
- Bardstown Bourbon Company Launches Bold Packaging Redesign Across Core Portfolio
- New Riff Balboa Rye Review: A Creamy, Fruity Rye to Watch in 2026
- Exploring the World of Whiskey and Bourbon on Bourbon Lens’ “Thursday Thoughts”
- Maker’s Mark Unveils New Premium Bottle and Age Statement for Cask Strength Bourbon
- 366: From r/bourbon to Middleburg Barrel Company with Jay West (T8ke)
- Casey Jones Distillery Acquired by B3 Beverage Company
