Glen Scotia 15 Year Old
Campbeltown whisky has always intrigued me. Once the whisky capital of Scotland with over 30 distilleries, the region now boasts just three, and Glen Scotia is one of them. The 15 year old sits in the middle of their core range, and it's been on my radar for a while. There's something about Campbeltown malts that feels different: a distinct character that sets them apart from the mainstream Speyside and Highland expressions. Let's see if my first foray here lives up to the hype...
Bottle
The Glen Scotia bottle takes a different approach from my usual preferences. It's tall and slim rather than the short, sturdy style I tend to favour. Think more traditional whisky bottle proportions. But what it lacks in my preferred shape, it makes up for in execution. The embossing on the glass is genuinely beautiful. That large "GS" motif catches the light brilliantly and adds real character to what could have been a standard bottle. The label is striking too: bold black and silver creates a modern, confident look that stands out on the shelf. It's clean, well-designed, and communicates "quality" without shouting about it. While I'll always have a soft spot for shorter bottles, I have to admit Glen Scotia has done a cracking job with this design.
Colour
This is where Glen Scotia earns some credit. Non-chill-filtered and naturally coloured at 46% ABV: exactly what you want to see. The whisky presents a lovely muscat or tawny colour clearly showing the influence of both bourbon and sherry cask maturation. It's genuinely reassuring to know that what you're seeing is real, not the product of caramel colouring. The depth of colour promises something substantial in the glass.
Nose - Rich and maritime from the first sniff. There's a lovely coastal brininess here that immediately tells you this is Campbeltown: sea air and a hint of iodine, but not overwhelming. Behind that sits dried fruits, particularly raisins and figs, with a touch of toffee sweetness. Some vanilla oak rounds it out, with a subtle spiciness lurking in the background. It's complex without being challenging.
Palate - The palate delivers on the nose's promise. That maritime character comes through first: a gentle salinity that coats the mouth, followed by waves of dried fruit and dark chocolate. There's a lovely oiliness to the texture that carries the flavours beautifully. The sherry influence shows itself with some Christmas cake spices, while the bourbon casks contribute vanilla and a touch of honey. It's well-balanced, with nothing fighting for dominance. The 46% ABV gives it enough body without any harshness.
Finish - Long and warming, with the coastal notes lingering pleasantly alongside gentle spice and oak. The salinity fades gradually, leaving behind subtle fruit and a touch of pepper. It's a finish that invites you back for another sip.
Overall
Glen Scotia 15 is a proper Campbeltown whisky that showcases exactly why this region deserves its own classification. The maritime character is beautifully integrated rather than overwhelming, and the combination of bourbon and sherry cask maturation creates genuine complexity. This isn't a whisky trying to be all things to all people. It knows what it is and delivers it confidently.
At around £60, it's not cheap, but it feels like fair value for a 15 year old expression with this level of quality and character. The non-chill-filtering and natural colour show respect for the spirit, and the 46% ABV hits the sweet spot for flavour without excess heat. It's a bottle I'd be happy to keep on the shelf, particularly when I want something with a bit more personality than your standard Speyside fare.
If you're curious about Campbeltown or want to explore beyond the usual regions, this is an excellent place to start. Just don't expect it to taste like anything else, and that's precisely the point.
Typically available for around £60