An Extremely Rare Collectible from a Campbeltown Treasure

2000 Glen Scotia 18 Year Old “Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur’s Choice” K&L Exclusive Cask #326 Single Refill American Oak Hogshead 

Nonchillfiltered Cask Strength Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($199.99)

“… those who want a malt of character, history, and complex flavors often find themselves in the growing ranks of Glen Scotia fans—especially after tasting such a superlative cask as this one.” — Andrew Whiteley, K&L Spirits Buyer

Pretty much anything from Campbeltown is by default a niche whisky, considering the region is home to just three distilleries nowadays. So, what does that make Glen Scotia’s 2000 cask-strength single malt aged for 18 years in an American oak hogshead? For starters, it’s about as niche as collectible whisky gets. Furthermore, it’s just flat-out delicious. Finally, it’s a once-in-a-blue-moon chance to get supremely aged Scotia malt at an incredible price in a market where this stuff has gone absolutely beyond the price stratosphere elsewhere. This K&L exclusive cask sourced from our friends at the incomparable Gordon & MacPhail perfectly captures the Glen Scotia magic in its signature earthy core, around which swirls a kaleidoscope of aromas and flavors ranging from stone fruits to cocoa dust to sweet cereals to coconut. It’s truly a singular expression from a distillery long treasured by the most clued-in aficionados. This was an unequivocal must-have for our spirits team, and it’s the same for any committed collector of the rarest and most unique Scotch whiskies out there.

2000 Glen Scotia 18 Year Old “Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur’s Choice” K&L Exclusive Cask #326 Single Refill American Oak Hogshead Nonchillfiltered Cask Strength Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($199.99)

K&L Notes: The wonderful Glen Scotia distillery has long been a favorite of Campbeltown lovers. For ages, the mostly unknown distillery was not open to the general public, and it quietly made excellent if slightly idiosyncratic malt, to be used in blends and sold occasionally as single malt. The distillery was founded in 1832 and is only one of two historic distilleries in the once-important whisky region of Campbeltown to make it through to modern times. It was subject to a management buyout in 1987 and remained in private hands until purchase by the Loch Lomond group in 2014. Since then, it’s been spun off along with its sister distilleries (Loch Lomond and Littlemill) in a private equity buyout. The result is that the small amount of aged whisky that is still in the Glen Scotia warehouse has become extremely valuable. Distillery bottlings are hard to get and single-cask offerings are priced in the stratosphere. That’s only part of why we jumped on this exceptional cask from Gordon & Macphail, at what is a significant discount from stocks that the distillery is offering. The main reason is that this barrel captures the gorgeous style that makes Glen Scotia so special. This style exemplifies the balance between beauty and funk. Gorgeous aromas of honey-drizzled grains and exotic floral character with a base note of earthy spice and toasted coconut. It’s no bomb in any category, but it’s fabulously complex and inviting, showcasing this great distillery in the finest fashion.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: April 20, 2022

So often overlooked due to the fame of its Campbeltown neighbors, Glen Scotia makes terrific whisky with an unusual earthiness. While this flavor profile divides some folks, those who want a malt of character, history, and complex flavors often find themselves in the growing ranks of Glen Scotia fans—especially after tasting such a superlative cask as this one. Gorgeous stone fruits kissed by honey, cinnamon graham crackers, a dusting of dark cocoa, and a little bit of that signature fresh compost earthiness that is so distinctly Glen Scotia all work their way into the nose. The palate reveals a rich tapestry of savory flavors, owing perhaps to a hint of peat and perhaps to the nature of the distillery. A more complex baking spice profile arrives on the mid palate. Granola and more honey keep things feeling sweet and transform into a lovely floral flourish with a reprise of sweet grain and stone fruit. Another knockout from the epic stocks at Gordon & MacPhail at particularly advantageous pricing.

Will Blakely | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 25, 2022

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of virtually everything coming from Campbeltown, so a well-aged and high-proof Glen Scotia sounds like thrilling prospect. I can tell you this bottle did not disappoint in the slightest. From first pour, a touch of smoked meat and coal gas let you know that you are in fact drinking Campbeltown scotch, though that dissipates quickly to reveal honey-coated citrus and apricot. The malt itself is sweet and soft, with stewed stone fruits and a touch of sultana adding to the gorgeous grain character on display. As others have mentioned, a hint of tropical fruit and the smell of coconut husks keep things interesting, and lingering spice wakes up the senses through each sip. That trademark Campbeltown savory flavor remains an important factor for this bottling’s appeal, but I would say this tends toward the more delicate side of malts I’ve tasted from this humble region. And with the difficulty in sourcing whisky from that peninsula in particular, this is one to hoard and savor.