Glengoyne has unveiled its new Scottish Oak 17 Year Old, a limited-edition Highland single malt finished in rare virgin Scottish oak sourced just five miles from the distillery.
Scottish whisky lovers have a new bottle to add to their wish lists, as Glengoyne launches the latest expression in its acclaimed Oak Masters’ Series.
The Glengoyne Scottish Oak 17 Year Old arrives on 3 September 2026, following previous Oak Masters’ Series releases White Oak in 2024 and Mizunara Oak in 2025.
Priced at £180 for a 700ml bottle, the limited release is bottled at 51.6% ABV and will be available through the official Glengoyne website, the Glengoyne Distillery Shop, specialist retailers and selected bars and restaurants around the world.
A Whisky Shaped by Scottish Oak
The Oak Masters’ Series explores how different varieties of oak can influence Glengoyne’s naturally fruity, unpeated spirit.
For the Scottish Oak 17 Year Old, the whisky spent the majority of its 17 years maturing in Glengoyne’s classic refill bourbon and refill sherry casks. Selected parcels were then transferred into virgin Scottish oak casks, where they were finished for up to two years.
The finishing process was tailored cask by cask, designed to complement rather than overpower Glengoyne’s signature orchard-fruit character.
The result is a whisky combining fruit-forward sweetness with warming spice and subtle oak influence.
Whisky Made with Locally Sourced Oak
One of the most distinctive elements of the new release is the provenance of its casks.
The Scottish oak used for the whisky was sustainably sourced from woodland around Killearn, a village located just five miles from Glengoyne Distillery.
While Scottish oak (Quercus petraea) grows across Europe, native Scottish oak woodland is considerably less common than in many neighbouring European countries. This makes genuinely Scottish-grown oak a particularly rare resource for whisky maturation.
Scottish oak is also notoriously challenging to work with, presenting difficulties when it comes to sourcing, cooperage and preventing leaks. As a result, its use in Scotch whisky remains relatively uncommon, with only a small number of producers experimenting with the wood for finishing and maturation.
What Does Glengoyne Scottish Oak 17 Year Old Taste Like?
According to Glengoyne, the whisky opens with aromas of heather honey, lime, stewed pear and porridge topped with raspberries, alongside chocolate cereal, almond and tropical notes.
On the palate, the expression is described as full and balanced, bringing together:
- Toasted oak
- Fresh fruit
- Oat and raisin cookies
- Vanilla
- Warming ginger
- A hint of nutmeg
The finish is long and mild, with notes of nut, vanilla, light tannins and sweet spice.
For whisky fans interested in exploring different approaches to oak maturation, the release offers an opportunity to experience how locally sourced Scottish wood can influence a traditional Highland single malt.
Inspired by the Scottish Colourists
The Scottish landscape has also influenced the presentation of the new whisky.
The gift box features an illustration inspired by the Scottish Colourists, a group of artists celebrated for their bold use of colour and expressive depictions of light and landscape.
The design pays tribute to the environment surrounding Glengoyne, connecting the whisky not only to its Highland home but also to the Scottish oak used in its maturation.
Already an Award-Winning Whisky
Despite only launching in September, the Scottish Oak 17 Year Old has already picked up a major accolade.
The expression received a Double Gold Outstanding award at the IWSC 2026, the competition’s highest distinction. Glengoyne says it was one of just six whiskies in its category to achieve the accolade this year.
Glengoyne: Unhurried Since 1833
Glengoyne describes itself as a Highland single malt Scotch whisky distillery that has been “unhurried since 1833.”
Located directly on the Highland Line north of Glasgow, the distillery is known for its unusually slow distillation process, running at around five litres per minute compared with an industry norm of approximately 15 litres per minute.
The distillery also uses air-dried Laureate barley and soft local water, while its spirit has remained unpeated since its earliest days.
Glengoyne is owned by Ian Macleod Distillers and has also developed a focus on sustainability. In 2011, it became the first distillery to trial a wetlands facility designed to treat 100% of its liquid waste, with clean water returned to Loch Lomond and spent grains converted into energy.
Glengoyne Scottish Oak 17 Year Old: Price and Availability
The Glengoyne Scottish Oak 17 Year Old launches globally on 3 September 2026.
Price: £180
Bottle size: 700ml
ABV: 51.6%
Release: Limited edition
Availability: Glengoyne.com, Glengoyne Distillery Shop, specialist retailers and selected bars and restaurants
With its rare Scottish oak casks, local provenance and award-winning credentials, the latest Oak Masters’ Series release looks set to be one for collectors and whisky enthusiasts to watch this autumn.
For more information, visit the official Glengoyne website.
