Glen Scotia The Wulver is a richly sweet beast from Campbeltown’s rising star.
Few Scottish distilleries have enjoyed a renaissance quite like Glen Scotia. Once overshadowed by its neighbours in the historic whisky capital of Campbeltown, the distillery has surged back into the spotlight thanks to a run of characterful, award-winning releases. Tucked between sea and stone, Glen Scotia remains one of the most atmospheric distilleries in Scotland—small, stubborn, traditional, and unapologetically Campbeltown.
The Icons of Campbeltown series is Glen Scotia’s way of celebrating local legends and lore, creating small-batch whiskies inspired by stories woven into the town’s maritime and industrial past. After the Spirit Safe and The Mermaid, the third icon arrives in lupine form: The Wulver—a mythical creature said to roam the Highlands, more gentle guardian than fearsome beast.
A fitting name, because while this whisky shows plenty of muscle, there’s a sweetness and approachability beneath the surface.
Tasting Notes Glen Scotia The Wulver – Icons Of Campeltown No. 3
Stats
- Age: 12 Years
- ABV: 57.1% (114.2 Proof)
- Flavour Profile: Dessert Delight
- Category: Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch
- Distillery: Glen Scotia
- Chill-filtered: No
- Natural Colour: Yes
Nose
A plush wave of stone fruits and dried figs opens the experience, layered with Glen Scotia’s trademark maritime softness. Hints of caramel and malaga ice cream glide through the aroma, giving the dram a decadent warmth. A gentle cinnamon-led herbal note flickers in the background, adding structure without disturbing the creamy fruitiness.
Palate
The first sip is bold and tannin-driven, almost gripping before unfolding into a tapestry of dried fruit richness. There’s liquorice root, cinnamon, and deep bursts of dates, cranberries, confit cherries, and just a whisper of ripe plum. A silky layer of manuka honey and thick syrup wraps the whole palate, finishing on a dessert-like note reminiscent of panna cotta. It’s indulgent, full-bodied, and very much a dram with presence.
Finish
Creamy, almost velvety, with raisins, dates, and plums lingering long after the sip fades. A surprise note of sweet tangerine rises at the very end, adding a refreshing little lift to an otherwise deeply jammy afterglow.
Food Pairing
This dram was practically built to sit next to a cheese platter—think blue cheese, soft white rinds, and a slice of fig bread on the side. For dessert lovers, a simple panna cotta mirrors the whisky’s creamy, honeyed character beautifully.
Verdict
Strengths
Glen Scotia “The Wulver” is a full-throttle, flavour-stacked Glen Scotia with bags of jammy richness and a profile that pairs effortlessly with food. The sweetness, spice, and fruit density deliver complexity by the spoonful, making it a dram that rewards slow exploration.
Weaknesses
Where it excels in flavour impact, it does fall a touch short in finesse. The whisky leans heavily toward the sweet and syrupy, rarely pausing for contrasting lighter notes. Those who prefer nuance or drier Campbeltown grit may find it a little one-sided.
Final Thoughts
This is a hugely enjoyable release—big, bold, and thoroughly Glen Scotia. That said, the earlier Icons of Campbeltown bottles offered a shade more balance and personal charm, at least for my palate. Even so, “The Wulver” stands tall as another confident, characterful chapter in Glen Scotia’s resurgence.
A sweet beast indeed—and one that will have plenty of fans.
If Glen Scotia The Wulver” hits your sweet spot, you might also enjoy the Kilkerran 8 Year Old Sherry Cask, a favourite on Dram1.com for fans of richly layered, dessert-leaning Campbeltown malts. Much like this Glen Scotia release, it delivers deep waves of dried fruits, sticky toffee, manuka-style sweetness and a touch of coastal character that keeps things grounded. The Kilkerran adds a slightly drier, more rugged edge—bringing the balance that some may find missing in The Wulver—while still offering plenty of jammy intensity. It’s a superb alternative for anyone chasing that bold, syrupy, fruit-forward profile with a bit more grip.
