Argentinian distillery La Alazana has introduced Isla Marambio, the world’s first whisky aged in Antarctica. This unique single malt has a story that begins with a five-year maturation in virgin oak at the La Alazana distillery located in Chubut Province, Patagonia. Subsequently, it underwent a three-year aging process in ex-bourbon casks at Base Marambio, an Argentinian research station on Seymour Island.
The project began in 2022 when Daniel Monk, founder of Cask World, teamed up with La Alazana founders Lila and Néstor Serenelli. The whisky casks were transported to Antarctica aboard a Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft, thanks to support from Argentina’s Ministry of Defence. The extreme conditions at the research station, including temperatures ranging from -35°C to 10°C, contributed to an unprecedented maturation environment. During this period, the casks developed a frost coating, allowing for a remarkable aging process marked by significant temperature fluctuations.
Lila Serenelli described the whisky’s character, noting a unique floral note that was not typically present in their standard offerings. Isla Marambio showcases a different flavor profile shaped by its Antarctic conditions.
The bottling of Isla Marambio Eight-Year-Old is set for 2026, as part of Cask World’s 8 Continent Series, which will also feature whiskies from different countries, including India, South Africa, Brazil, Canada, and Wales. Monk expressed that this series symbolizes the spirit of exploration and the connection fostered by whisky production around the globe.
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