Glen Scotia Distillery, affectionately referred to as "The Scotia" or "Old Scotia," is a distinguished producer of single malt Scotch whisky located in Campbeltown, one of Scotland's five recognized whisky-producing regions. Established in 1832, Glen Scotia is steeped in history and remains one of only three active distilleries in Campbeltown, once hailed as the Victorian Whisky Capital of the World.

History

Founded in 1832 by Stewart & Galbraith and Company, Glen Scotia Distillery has been an integral part of Campbeltown's rich whisky heritage for nearly two centuries. Notable industrialist Duncan MacCallum made significant contributions to the distillery, enhancing its infrastructure in the late 19th century with the construction of the imposing frontage along High Street. Over the years, ownership changed hands several times, including acquisitions by Bloch Brothers and later by Hiram Walker and Sons, before transitioning to the Loch Lomond Group in 2014.

Production

Glen Scotia Distillery maintains its traditional charm and operational integrity with original equipment dating back to the 1830s. The distillery draws its water from Crosshill Loch, a local water source known for its purity. Production focuses on maintaining Campbeltown's distinctive whisky style, utilizing both unpeated and peated malt barley varieties. The distillery operates with one wash still, boasting a capacity of 11,800 liters, and one spirit still with an 8,600-liter capacity, both featuring distinctive onion-shaped copper pots.

Product Range

Glen Scotia offers a core range of single malt Scotch whiskies that exemplify Campbeltown's unique flavor profile. These include:

• Double Cask - A balanced expression matured in a combination of first-fill bourbon and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks.
• 15 Year Old - A classic aged malt offering complexity and depth.
• Victoriana - A rich and robust whisky, capturing the essence of Victorian-era Campbeltown malts.
• 18 Year Old - Aged to perfection, showcasing maturity and sophistication.
• 25 Year Old - A rare and luxurious expression, aged for a quarter-century to develop exceptional depth of flavor.

In addition to these core expressions, Glen Scotia regularly releases special bottlings and limited editions, such as annual releases for the Campbeltown Malt Whisky Festival, highlighting innovative cask finishes and unique flavor profiles.

Visitor Experience

The distillery welcomes whisky enthusiasts to its visitor center, offering guided tours and tastings that explore Glen Scotia's history, production methods, and range of whiskies. The center features a Victorian-style shop where visitors can purchase exclusive whiskies, branded merchandise, and local souvenirs.

Awards and Recognition

Glen Scotia's commitment to quality has been acknowledged with numerous awards from prestigious competitions including the San Francisco World Spirits Awards, International Wine & Spirits Competition, World Whisky Awards, International Spirits Challenge, and The Scotch Whisky Masters. In 2021, Glen Scotia achieved acclaim as producers of the World's Best Whisky at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and was honored as the Best Scottish Whisky Distillery at the Scottish Whisky Awards, a testament to its exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to the art of whisky making.

Glen Scotia Distillery stands as a testament to Campbeltown's enduring whisky legacy, offering a glimpse into Scotland's rich whisky heritage through its acclaimed single malt Scotch whiskies.