A Whisky for Wonderland: Glen Scotia’s Magical Contribution to Clean Water in Madagascar

Campbeltown’s Glen Scotia Distillery has embarked on a remarkable initiative, launching an Alice in Wonderland-inspired whisky aimed at bringing clean water to Madagascar. In collaboration with The Maclean Foundation (TMF), Glen Scotia’s special release has been designed to support water projects that will have a lasting impact on communities in need.

Glen Scotia’s Charitable Contribution

Glen Scotia has donated a specially selected first-fill Bourbon cask to aid TMF, a charity founded by Scotch whisky expert Charles Maclean MBE and his three sons: Ewan, Jamie, and Lachlan.
TMF is dedicated to raising funds for clean water projects, leveraging the whisky industry’s support through adventure and collaboration.
To date, the charity has provided clean water for life to nearly 2,000 people in rural Madagascar.

The Special Bottling

The donation has resulted in 210 bottles of eight-year-old whisky, bottled at a robust 59.1% ABV.
Priced at £115 (US$152) per bottle, each sale contributes to providing an individual with clean water for life.
Lachlan Maclean emphasized the crucial impact, stating: “Each bottle sold funds the construction of boreholes that can serve 200 people for up to 100 years, bringing long-term, life-changing benefits to these communities.”

A Literary-Inspired Creation

The design and concept of the whisky draw inspiration from Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland.
The bottle’s label, designed by Scottish creative agency Contagious, is accompanied by a narration from Charles Maclean, who selected the cask. He likens the whisky to the novel’s iconic “Drink Me” moment, inviting consumers into a world of flavourful wonder.

Tasting Notes: A Whisky Wonderland

Charles Maclean praised the whisky, describing its “lovely golden colour” and surprisingly mature character for its age.
Key Flavour Notes:
- Fruity top notes
- Slightly mineralic undertones, reminiscent of aromatherapy oils
- A sweet start, evolving into salty notes with a peppery-spice mid-palate
- Hints of vanilla and toffee, characteristic of American oak

Glen Scotia’s Signature Style

Iain McAlister, Glen Scotia’s master distiller, attributes the whisky’s complexity to the traditional dunnage warehouse in Campbeltown.
“This unpeated, first-fill Bourbon whisky is a true showcase of Glen Scotia’s style—rich in tropical fruit, oiliness, and a hint of sea salt, unmistakably Campbeltown,” McAlister remarked.

A Legacy of Giving

McAlister expressed admiration for Charles Maclean and TMF, describing the foundation’s work as a lasting legacy.
“We are honored to support this incredible initiative, knowing that the sale of this whisky will have a profound impact on communities in Madagascar,” McAlister said.