Glengoyne Distillery branches out with rare Mizunara Oak Whisky

Whisky connoisseurs and curious drinkers take note. Glengoyne, the Highland distillery known for its unhurried craftsmanship and award-winning single malts, is taking its next bold step into exotic new territory within The Glengoyne Oak Masters’ Series. Having released its acclaimed White Oak expression 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 August 2025. 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.

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 the 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.

With only a limited number of bottles available worldwide – 3,195 in total - and priced at £300 (RRP), the release is a must for collectors who can buy it globally via specialist retailers, direct through the distillery’s website glengoyne.com and from the distillery shop. Whether you’re a seasoned whisky enthusiast or a newcomer seeking something truly extraordinary, Glengoyne Mizunara Oak, from a distillery that has been creating whisky since 1833, offers an unforgettable taste experience rooted in tradition and elevated by innovation to deliver a fusion of flavours.

Tasting notes for Glengoyne Mizunara Oak

In the glass, a dram of this expression offers some exceptional tastes and aromas.

• Nose: Soft vanilla and sweet toffee laced with sandalwood and hints of Japanese incense.
• Palate: Warming spices, coconut, crisp green apples, and a whisper of liquorice.
• Finish: Long, luxurious, and floral - like cherry blossom carried on a spring breeze

The bottle comes in an elegant gift box and the packaging pays homage to Japanese aesthetics and Scottish nature with a bespoke Japanese-Sumi-e style illustration evoking the whisky’s influence, featuring a serene sunset, Mizunara Oak Tree, and Glengoyne Geese - the brand’s namesake which is employed as a symbol of the distillery’s commitment to the environment.

Beyond exceptional whisky, Glengoyne is one of Scotland’s most environmentally sustainable distilleries. Located just outside Glasgow, the distillery has partnered with the Wildlife and Wetland Trust to protect local ecosystems, including its own on-site wetland reserve - just another reason to visit this whisky haven.

Glengoyne Distillery welcomes visitors

Glengoyne Distillery, in the Highlands and just a short distance from Glasgow, is generally acknowledged to be Scotland’s most beautiful distillery. It features some of Scotland’s slowest stills and the tours of this working distillery attract visitors from across the globe. Open seven days a week, there is an enticing selection of experiences from which to choose. From the 13 August, Glengoyne Mizunara Oak will be included in the Fine & Rare tasting experience at the distillery.

Fly and buy

If you are travelling through major airports this summer, you can also look out for another exceptional Glengoyne Whisky, this one exclusively availably in Global Travel Retails (duty free) shops. Glengoyne Highland Single Malt 12-Year-Old (12YO) First Fill Edition launched this summer. As part of the multi award-winning Spirit of Time Collection only available in travel retail, Glengoyne 12YO First Fill Edition is crafted using a combination of First Fill Oloroso Sherry Casks and First Fill American Oak Bourbon Casks. A wonderfully balanced expression, it provides a perfectly rounded drinking experience for the Single Malt consumer and makes the perfect gift or personal treat. Glengoyne 12YO First Fill Edition 70cl (ABV 43%) has gained a Gold Medal win at the International Spirits Challenge 2025. Look out, too, for the travel exclusive Glengoyne 15-Year-Old PX Cask Edition which is limited to only a few thousand bottles each year, so catch it whilst you can.  Both of these Glengoyne expressions are part of the ‘Spirit of Time’ collection, which is exclusively available in travel retail stores.