Branching out: Exquisite Glengoyne Mizunara Whisky expression launched

Glengoyne Distillery, famed for its award-winning Highland Single Malt Scotch whiskies and picturesque setting, is taking its next bold step into exotic new territory within The Glengoyne Oak Masters’ Series.

Having released its acclaimed White Oak expressions last year, Glengoyne is again pushing the boundaries of flavour and tradition with another exciting release: Glengoyne Mizunara Oak. This rare and enticing new single malt whisky launches on 13^th August. Glengoyne Mizunara is the third release in The Oak Masters’ Series with more to come. This important release follows White Oak and White Oak 24-Year-Old.

Glengoyne Mizunara Oak is a 16-Year-Old limited edition, bottled at 53.4% ABV. The whisky has first been matured in Glengoyne’s classic first fill sherry and refill casks for 10 years – the perfect base for further Mizunara oak maturation. It is then matured in Mizunara Oak casks for a further six years – longer than most cask finishes.

The Mizunara Oak casks are made from one of the world’s rarest woods. This is a meeting of East and West. Mizunara, known as ‘water oak’, is native to Japan’s northern Hokkaido region. Known for the high moisture content and hard, gnarled grain of the timber, Mizunara casks are notoriously difficult to work with. Yet, for those who wait - just as Glengoyne has patiently done for 16 years - the reward is a flavour profile unlike anything else in the whisky world. This is a masterpiece of whisky craftsmanship.

The makers, Ian Macleod Distillers, believe this addition to its Oak Masters’ Series will hold strong appeal to a new generation of whisky appreciators. It is a limited-edition expression priced at £300 (RRP) and will be available for global as well as UK sales. It is a ‘must stock’ for serious spirits retailers, wholesalers, and high end on-trade venues.

Katy Muggeridge, Brand Director, comments: “This exceptional single malt is not just another whisky - it’s a sensory journey spanning continents, bringing together Scotland’s distilling heritage with Japan’s revered Mizunara Oak. We have travelled the world to find casks that enhance Glengoyne’s elegant, fruity character. Mizunara Oak was a natural next step for us following launch last year of Glengoyne White Oak, an award-winning whisky which is matured in American Bourbon and Virgin Oak casks. At Glengoyne, we never rush the process - because we know the best things are worth waiting for.”

Glengoyne Mizunara Oak is rare; it is unique; and it is exceptional, having already gained a top award even before launch. This whisky was awarded a coveted Double Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge 2025.

The distinctive and uplifting visual on the packaging reflects the Japanese origins of Mizunara Oak, featuring a bespoke Japanese Sumi-e style illustration evoking the whisky’s influence, featuring a serene sunset, Mizunara Oak Tree and a Glengoyne Goose - the brand’s namesake which is employed as a symbol of the distillery’s commitment to the environment. The elegant box wraps around to reveal storytelling within and can be merchandised on-shelf sitting open and showing the bottle.

Tasting notes

Elegant and sought after, the flavour profile is unique:

• Nose: Vanilla and sweet toffee; sandalwood; Japanese incense.
• Palate: spices and coconut; green apples; liquorice.
• Finish: long and sweet, reminding us of Spring cherry blossom.

Glengoyne is one of Scotland’s most environmentally sustainable distilleries. Located in a beautiful setting a short distance from Glasgow, the brand has forged links with The Wildlife and Wetland Trust, supporting the charity and developing its own environmentally friendly wetlands plot at the site of the award-winning distillery which welcomes visitors throughout the year.

When the Glengoyne White Oak expression was released in 2024, it was received to great acclaim, immediately winning Gold medals in the International Spirits Challenge 2024 and San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 2024 and this year going on to win Double Gold Awards for both White Oak and White Oak 24-Year-Old in the SFWSC 2025.