Sips & Sites & Bites

If you’ve never explored the distinct whiskies of Campbeltown, Scotland’s smallest … and arguably most storied … whisky region, Glen Scotia’s 10-Year-Old single malt might just be your perfect introduction. And thanks to a new partnership with Foley Family Wines & Spirits, this coastal gem is getting easier to find stateside.

With roots going back to 1832, Glen Scotia is one of only three distilleries still standing in what was once known as the “Whisky Capital of the World.” At its peak, Campbeltown boasted more than two dozen distilleries, all packed into the tight seaside town on the Kintyre Peninsula. Today, Glen Scotia continues to honor that legacy, but with a modern twist.

Their 10-Year-Old expression, recently re-released in the U.S., is non-chill filtered and aged exclusively in first-fill bourbon barrels. That means you get the full texture and flavor of the spirit as it was intended … nothing stripped away, nothing diluted. And while Glen Scotia does produce both peated and unpeated whiskies, this one leans into the unpeated style, showcasing the region’s signature “maritime” character.

So what does that actually taste like? The nose hits with coastal notes … sea spray, apple slices, a little lemon zest, and toasted oak. It’s bright, but grounded. The palate brings a wave of syrupy sweetness … think brown sugar, pineapple, orange marmalade … followed by creamy oak and vanilla. It all wraps up with a subtle ginger-cinnamon finish that’s warming without being overpowering.

Master Distiller Iain McAlister, a Campbeltown native who’s been with Glen Scotia for over a decade, says this whisky represents a balance between tradition and innovation. “We’re proud of where we come from, but we’re also paying close attention to what today’s whisky drinkers want,” he says. That dual focus is evident in the 10-Year-Old, classic in structure, yet vibrant and accessible.

At $74.99, it’s a solid value for a whisky that delivers both story and substance. And now that it’s more widely available … both online at us.glenscotia.com and at select U.S. retailers … it might be time to add a bit of Campbeltown to your collection.

Because sometimes, rediscovering a classic means just pouring yourself a dram and letting history speak for itself.