Glen Scotia’s Wulver: The Third Icon of Campbeltown

I am publishing this article today, as it coincides with the Distillers One of One charity auction, which I recently wrote about. Glen Scotia’s contribution is stunning, and I urge you to make a sizable bid. Not only will you receive 4 wonderful bottles, but 100% of the proceeds go to charity. 

The third release in the distillery’s Icons of Campbeltown series draws its inspiration from the Wulver, a mythical creature said to embody quiet strength and kindness, a reflection of the town’s enduring spirit. As regular readers may have gathered, I have a soft spot for Glen Scotia, and these new releases help fuel my passion for the distillery.

A limited edition, unpeated 12-year-old single malt, finished in Tawny Port casks, this new release continues Glen Scotia’s exploration of the symbols carved into Campbeltown’s 14th-century market cross. The cross, a weathered monument in the heart of the town, carries the likenesses of saints, beasts and warriors, each one a marker of the region’s long and storied past. The Wulver, with the body of a man and the head of a wolf, is among them. I was in Campbeltown earlier this year but don’t recall seeing the market cross, so that’s a good excuse to go back (not that I need one, I loved my few hours there).

According to old Scottish folktales, the Wulver was no monster to be feared. He lived alone in a cave on the hillside, fishing quietly by day and leaving his catch on the windowsills of those who were struggling to eat. It’s a story that resonates deeply with Glen Scotia’s sense of place. Campbeltown’s history has always been one of resilience and community spirit with neighbours helping one another without expecting anything in return. It’s this generosity that Glen Scotia now celebrates in Icons of Campbeltown Release No.3.

Master Blender Ashley Smith has brought the Wulver to life in liquid form, choosing to finish this 12-year-old whisky in ex-Tawny Port casks for nine months after its initial maturation in hand-selected bourbon barrels. The result is a whisky rich in red fruits, hazelnuts, forest berries and dark chocolate, with the familiar maritime freshness that defines Glen Scotia’s house style. Bottled at 51.7% ABV, it’s a robust yet balanced expression, available at £80 through Glen Scotia’s website, the distillery visitor centre, and Fortnum & Mason.

As with the previous releases, The Mermaid and The Dragon, (which I need to get as it is finished in Barolo barrels) the artwork comes from acclaimed illustrator John Holtzman, whose vivid interpretations of Campbeltown’s myths have given the series a visual identity as distinctive as the whiskies themselves. Holtzman’s Wulver stands watchful and noble, a reminder that compassion can be as powerful as strength.

Ashley Smith described the project as “an exciting opportunity to experiment while keeping Glen Scotia’s spirit at the core.” The Port finish, she explained, “adds layers of fruit and sweetness to balance the maritime character, creating something that feels both new and familiar.”

Distillery Manager Iain McAlister drew a parallel between the Wulver’s nature and that of Campbeltown’s people. “Our community knows a thing or two about supporting each other in times of need,” he said. “That same character and quiet generosity is still alive here today, and it’s exactly what we wanted to honour.”

For me, Glen Scotia remains one of the most exciting distilleries in Scotland. There’s honesty in its whiskies and a clear sense of place that shines. The Icons of Campbeltown series captures that perfectly with folklore and flavour woven together with quiet confidence. I shall be enjoying a dram of Release No 3 tonight, and raising a glass to the winning bidder of the auction. 

Release No.3, the third chapter in the Icons of Campbeltown Series is available here