A celebration of the character of Scotland’s smallest whisky region and testament to the environment that has shaped it over generations, the expression captures Campbeltown’s maritime climate and the influence it has on whisky. Five decades in the making, Release No. 1: Air was distilled in 1973 and bottled at a natural cask strength of 84.6 proof in 2024. Fully matured in refill American oak hogshead casks to preserve the distillery’s character.

“Responsibility for whisky of this age, where the passage of time shapes the character of the spirit is a privilege,” said Michael Henry, Loch Lomond Group Master Blender. “With this milestone release for Glen Scotia, I want to give people the opportunity to experience our distillery character at this remarkable age and showcase how time has shaped it.”

To mark the release, Glen Scotia has collaborated with UK artist Gina Parr to create a piece of art capturing the essence of ‘air’ in the distillery’s historic dunnage warehouse. Parr took inspiration from Campbeltown’s coastal air stream and Glen Scotia’s distilling process to create an oil painting to adorn the cabinet doors concealing each whisky decanter.

Housed in the white leather interior is a bespoke Glencairn crystal decanter encasing the whisky. Created exclusively for this release, it features a delicate band around the base to represent ‘air’ while a Celtic knot crowns a heavy brass stopper. Accompanying the whisky is a hardback book telling the story of this single malt.

Only 10 bottles of Glen Scotia Elements of Campbeltown Release No. 1: Air will be available in the U.S. by special request and will retail for $50,000.

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The expression is said to be “an authentic representation” of Campbeltown, the smallest of Scotland’s five designated whisky regions. Made with 100% malted barley sourced from the east coast of Scotland and water sourced from Crosshill Loch, the whisky is distilled on a swan neck, copper pot still, barreled in first fill ex-bourbon barrels, and aged in both dunnage and palletized warehouses that are maritime-adjacent along the Firth of Clyde on the Kintyre Peninsula.

The traditional choice for aging spirits in Campbeltown was bourbon casks. Campbeltown native Iain McAlister has served at the helm as Glen Scotia’s Master Distiller for the past 12 years, and the historic distillery still maintains much of its original design dating back to1830s — including the stillroom and dunnage warehouse.

“Glen Scotia has a unique place in Scotch Whisky lore dating back to 1832. While we celebrate our history as one of only three remaining Campbeltown distilleries, we’re keenly aware of the evolving palates of today’s modern whisky drinkers and our portfolio is representative of that juxtaposition of past and present,” said Glen Scotia Master Distiller Iain McAllister. “At Glen Scotia, we produce two styles of whisky – peated and non-peated – which are heavily influenced by our proximity to the ocean. These maritime nuances are perfectly represented in our signature 10-Year-Old whisky,” McAlister continued.

Known as the “Whisky Capital of the World” during the Victorian era, Campbeltown may be small, but it is certainly one of the most established. In 1823, the Exercise Act made it desirable for illicit distillers to obtain licenses. Campbeltown became the most prominent hub of whisky production, with more than 28 distilleries packed into town. Now, only three remain, including Glen Scotia.

Glen Scotia recently entered into a distribution agreement with Foley Family Wines & Spirits to expand its footprint into the U.S.

Glen Scotia 10-Year-Old is available now for $74.99.

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