Glenkinchie Distillery has announced the release of A Richness of Swallows, a limited edition 30-year-old single malt scotch whisky inspired by the migratory swallows that return to the East Lothian distillery each spring. The expression launches on 27 March 2026, limited to just 1,002 bottles priced at £595.
The whisky takes its name from the collective noun for swallows travelling together. A short story penned by distillery guide of 15 years, John Johnstone, alongside the wider Glenkinchie team, provided the creative foundation for the release; the swallows’ journey from the skies over Africa to the Scottish Lowlands.
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John Johnstone, Glenkinchie Distillery Guide and story author, said: “This is a personal tribute from all of us here at Glenkinchie with a shared meaning, reflecting both the journey of the swallows and that of our 30-year-old single malt which delivers a richness in the whisky’s flavour and an incredible elegance, unusual for an expression at this age.”
He added: “At every step of the journey, as a team we made our mark, from working with the blenders to hand-selecting the casks that spoke to the swallow’s story, to curating the 100% recyclable pack with our partners in Scotland. Truly a team effort, it’s a privilege to be a part of this distillery’s legacy.”
The liquid matured for 28 years in a combination of American and European oak refill casks before a finishing marriage in European oak puncheons. The distillery says this technique balances richer dark fruit flavours with the sweetness of honey and vanilla while preserving the signature grassy character Glenkinchie is known for.
Packaging details include the shadow of swallows flickering in hazy East Lothian sunlight over golden fields of ripened barley. The bottle will be available exclusively at the Glenkinchie Distillery retail shop. Glenkinchie, often referred to as “The Edinburgh Malt,” sits just 15 miles from Scotland’s capital and was named leading Scottish Distillery Tour at the 2025 World Travel Awards.
