Glen Scotia Unveils 12-Year-Old Vin Santo Cask Finish

Combining Italian Dessert Wine Cask Finishing with Campbeltown Folklore

Campbeltown distillery Glen Scotia has announced the launch of Icons of Campbeltown Release No. 4. This 12-year-old unpeated single malt Scotch whisky has been finished in Vin Santo wine casks from Tuscany, Italy, continuing the annual release project inspired by local folklore.

Bottled at a batch strength of 53.8% ABV, this Glen Scotia expression retains non-chill filtration and natural colour. Vin Santo is a traditional Italian dessert wine made by air-drying white grapes on straw mats or racks to concentrate their natural sugars before aging in oak barrels, imparting rich, concentrated layers of dried fruit and honey to the whisky.

Official Tasting Notes and Flavour Profile

According to official tasting notes, resting on Glen Scotia's signature maritime saline foundation, the whisky unfurls aromas of sweet honey, dried apricot, and sultana. On the palate, toasted almonds and hazelnuts emerge, leading into a finish accented by gentle cinnamon spice.

Glen Scotia Master Blender Ashley Smith noted that just as the mythical Griffin has guarded Campbeltown for centuries, the distillery team safeguards the character and quality of their whisky, making complementary Vin Santo casks an ideal choice. Distillery Assistant Manager Sean McGeachy added that the series reflects the close-knit community spirit that has been integral to the distillery's recent revival and international acclaim.

Medieval Market Cross Carvings and the Griffin Motif

Launched in 2023, the Icons of Campbeltown collection draws inspiration from the town's 14th-century medieval market cross, intricately carved with saints, mythical beasts, and heroic lore. Previous releases featured the Mermaid, Dragon, and Wulver. For Release No. 4, packaging illustration was once again created by Joel Holtzman—an artist known for work with Disney, Marvel, and Lucasfilm—capturing the Griffin vigilantly watching over the port and the whisky.

📅 Publication Date: 2026-09-18

🔗 Source: The Whiskey Wash