Dragonslayer honoured in Glen Scotia release

Whisky producer Glen Scotia has revealed the second expression in its Icons of Campbeltown collection, which was inspired by an etching of a dragon found on the town’s market cross.

The release is the second in a five-part limited edition annual series that was inspired by etchings found on the town’s market cross, which is said to be a ‘significant and historic' meeting  point for community get-togethers and storytelling. The 14-year-old, medium-peated single malt rests at 56.8% ABV, and was produced by master blender Michael Henry. Aged in American oak, Henry finished the liquid for six-months in Barolo red wine casks, resulting in a ‘decadently smoky’ liquid, complemented by red candied fruits and berries, followed by a long, dry finish. There is said to be a subtle maritime salinity throughout, which nods to Glen Scotia’s signature style. Henry said: “The Icons of Campbeltown collection provides rich inspiration for our choice of liquid with each release. The coastal character and full-bodied mouthfeel are part of Glen Scotia’s signature character.” Among the etchings on the town’s market cross is a visualisation of Saint Michael – the Archangel associated with courage and  protection – who, backed by an army of supporters, heroically slayed a fire-breathing dragon with his spear, according to legend. Henry added: “We have chosen to finish in Barolo red wine casks bringing delicious red berry fruits to complement Glen Scotia’s distillery character. The swirling smoke and rich red colour are evocative of the fire-breathing dragon slayed by Saint Michael on the Campbeltown Cross.” Glen Scotia has collaborated with illustrator Joel Holtzman, who has drawn characters for LucasFilm, Marvel and Disney, to create a series of new pack designs for the Icons collection. The packaging combines fiery tones of amber, orange and yellow which are said to complement the rich liquid colour and transport audiences into a vivid scene of the dragon climbing the market cross. While the dragon slayed by Saint Michael is a story of legend, Campbeltown and its distilleries have previously been devastated by fires. As such, Release No. 2 pays homage to ‘the spirit of the Campbeltown community’ that enabled the town to thrive following the destruction. Iain McAlister, distillery manager and master distiller at Glen Scotia, explained: “Hard times have a way of pulling our distilling community together, much like on December 17th 1899, when Glen Scotia, along with heroic townspeople, fought a fierce blaze at Dalintober distillery and saved it from an early fate. "You will find no living saints or dragon-slayers in the town now, just a wonderful community that endures against the odds by its prevailing spirit of unity, and this is what our latest Icons of Campbeltown release celebrates.” Icons of Campbeltown: Release No.2 is now available from the Glen Scotia website and select specialist retailers in the UK, US, Europe, Australia, Canada, Asia, China and EMEA for RRP £98 (US$130). Last year, we spoke to Alice Angus, Glen Scotia’s artist in residence, about her unique role, and how she uses the site’s surroundings as inspiration for her work.