Glen Scotia has teamed up with London’s first dedicated sherry bar, Bar Pepito, to launch its Seasonal Release 2022. The new whisky explores the flavors of Andalusia.
Inspired by a winter’s day in Campbeltown, the unpeated, cask strength Glen Scotia Seasonal Release 2022 has been matured in first-fill bourbon barrels before a final twelve-month finish in Amontillado Sherry casks, which hail from the Montilla region of southern Spain.
The result is a warm, nutty whisky with lingering vanilla notes and a mildly dry finish. Subtle maritime nuances on the nose and palate are synonymous with the iconic Campbeltown malt style.
On the nose, the Scotch offers maritime notes of sea spray with sweet honey and caramel. The palate features creamy vanilla and salted caramel balanced with warming spicy notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. The finish is long, dry, and nutty with gentle warming cinnamon spice.
Working alongside Bar Pepito’s owner, Richard Bigg, and its Executive Chef, Nacho del Campo, Glen Scotia has explored the character of sherry and its exquisite flavour profile to craft a list of food accompaniments to enjoy alongside its latest expression.
Bar Pepito is the sister restaurant to Camino, which was born after Bigg travelled around Spain in his Mini in the summer of 1984. The culture, people, food, and drink made an everlasting impression and a desire to bring a piece of Spain back in the UK.
Chef Nacho del Campo joined Camino in 2008, and they opened Bar Pepito in 2010, after a career spanning 24 years working in Catalunya, Madrid, and Exeter. His passion for gastronomy paired with a love of sherry has accelerated the establishment to become one of the most sought-after authentic Spanish dining experiences in London.
Marrying Spanish cuisine with the unique new offering from Campbeltown, chef Nacho’s accompaniments include a variety of dishes using the Seasonal Release 2022, and items that can be gathered from any traditional Spanish deli:
- Whisky-marinated gordal olives with orange and cumin – Nacho advises to first make an emulsion with a bit of mustard, cumin, orange zest, whiskey and extra virgin olive oil for marinading
- Sliced Iberico de bellota ham
- Cheese selection – Nacho recommends well-cured cheese like Manchego or parmesan to go well with Glen Scotia. Alternatively, blue cheese like Valdeón, Stilton or Roquefort. Smoked cheese also works well.
- Luxury dark chocolate slices – Nacho says dark chocolate around 64% works well, he previously created a ganache with the Glen Scotia liquid and pistachio.
- Grilled tendersterm broccoli with almond Ajo Blanco sauce and sliced grapes
- Grilled Andalusian chicken with Mojo Picón sauce
- Grilled octopus tentacle with roasted beetroot hummus
- Rare fillet steak of Ibérico pork (grilled) with baba ghanoush
- Dark chocolate and Glen Scotia ganache with raspberries and pistachios
“Spanish cooking is all about quality ingredients, very simply made, but always flavourful and fresh,” said Chef Nacho del Campo. “The Glen Scotia Seasonal Release 2022 has a well-rounded profile that fits perfectly with Spanish cuisine. Whisky can add a real extra dynamic to food, so paired together they work very well.
“These dishes were created to enhance to experience, giving a touch of the Spanish way of life, with a twist from Scotland. Importantly, many can be recreated at home with a visit to one of the many Spanish delis around the country.”
Master Distiller Iain McAllister and his team are behind the latest release from Scotland’s smallest whisky-making region. “Our Seasonal Release 2022 is a toast to the tight-knit community of Campbeltown,” said McAllister. “We can think of no better emblem for that community spirit than our Campbeltown market cross, which appears on the packaging of our latest annual release. It has long been a meeting point for local celebrations, which is what this dram is all about – best enjoyed when paired with good food and exceptional company.
“Our partnership with Bar Pepito and the team has been a fantastic voyage of discovery, exploring the Amontillado flavour which plays such an important role in our latest release. The dishes from Nacho, simple yet authentic, create a new and memorable experience for whisky drinkers to try at home.”
Bottled at 53.3% ABV, the Glen Scotia Seasonal Release 2022 is priced at £80 and is available for purchase from the Glen Scotia website and through UK specialist retailers.
Last month, Glen Scotia unveiled a limited-edition 22-year-old ‘Distillery of the Year’ expression.