Here at GreatDrams, we’re all about pushing boundaries, trying new things, and enjoying world firsts. If there’s a dram aged or matured in an unusual fashion it definitely gets our attention. If this resonates with you, you’re going to love today’s blog because I’ve got a couple of world firsts for you. 

The first, erm, first, is Argentina’s first single malt whisky from La Alazana, owned by the Serenelli family. The business was founded by Nestor and Lila Serenelli in Patagonia. In fact, Lila is also Head Distiller and graduated from Scotland’s Heriot-Watt University, picking up the first Argentine MSc in Brewing and Distilling. Put simply, she knows her stuff when it comes to whisky.

The second world first we’re looking at, is the world’s first whisky matured in the coldest place in the world – Antarctica. Ever the pioneers, La Alazana decided to see what would happen if a few barrels of Patagonia’s finest malt were aged in the sub-zero temperatures of Antarctica. The results? Well, at some point in 2026, you’ll get to make your own decisions as the whisky will be bottled and ready to purchase. Before then, though, here’s an exclusive look. 

Cask World’s 8 Continent Series

In due course, I’ll be taking a special look at a release I’m very excited about from Cask World, which is entitled the ‘8 Continent Series’. Cask World was founded by Daniel Monk, who was also responsible for this unique series of whiskies. 

This is actually another world-first, so you can make that three in just one blog today, as it will be the world’s very first selection of unique whiskies that have been matured in all 7 continents. The series will feature whiskies aged in: 

• South Africa
• India 
• Canada 
• Brazil 
• Wales
• Tasmania 
• Argentina 
• Antarctica 

The 8 Continent Series is slated for release at some point in 2026, so keep your eyes peeled on the GreatDrams blog as I can’t wait to look at that one in more detail.

As you have probably guessed, it’s the Antarctica-aged whisky that we’re going to be looking at today. 

Isla Marambio Whisky

Bottled in Patagonia, at the La Alazana Distillery in Patagonia’s Chubut Province, Isla Marambio Whisky, as it will be called, forms part of Cask World’s 8 Continent Series of whisky. 

Unfortunately, I’ve not yet been lucky enough to enjoy a sample of this dram, so I can’t review it for you today, but I can give you a quick overview before I get back to it next year. 

The whisky is entitled Isla Marambio and is the very first malt whisky to be matured in Antarctica. It’s very much an experimental dram and will showcase what can happen when two very different climates come together. 

This 8-year-old dram was first matured for 5 years in virgin oak casks at the La Alazana Distillery in Patagonia. The unique climate of Patagonia creates exceptional drams, with pronounced sweet and fruity vibes, similar to a Lowlands expression in Scotland. Following 5 years in Patagonia, the whisky began the next stage of its adventure as it was transferred to ex-Bourbon American oak casks and shipped to Antarctica, where it would slumber for a further 3 years. 

The whisky was stored at Antarctica’s Base Marambio, hence the name, which is a research station located on Seymour Island. As you can imagine, the climate and terroir here is very extreme, and makes even the harshest Scottish Highland winters look decidedly balmy. Temperatures vary here and can drop as low as minus 30C, with highs of roughly 10C. This is in stark contrast to Patagonia’s climate which can be temperamental, but largely mild most of the year, although snow in winter is not uncommon. 

The reason Antarctica was chosen was because of this extreme cold. The barrels were stored in an exposed, uninsulated hut and were basically left to the elements. It was an experimental dram chosen to find out how the whisky would react after 3 years in sub-zero temperatures. It was actually shipped there thanks to the Argentine Ministry of Defence and armed forces, who oversaw transport to and from Antarctica. How cool is that? (Pardon the pun)

While in the cask, the liquid is said to contract and pull away from the oak. Meaning that the oak has much less of an influence. There is also far less evaporation which shows that even the Angels aren’t keen on winter, as they got far less of their share than they would have back at La Alazana. Lila also noted how the casks developed a thick layer of frost on the exterior, which may have actually helped to insulate the whisky inside slightly. 

Once decanted, Lila mentioned how the whisky had a distinctly floral note to it, which is reported to be unusual for their drams. This was likely due to the environment the whisky was left to mature in. 

Following those three years, it was back to Patagonia for final checks and bottling. This dram will be available sometime in 2026, and it’s one I’m extremely excited about trying and reviewing, along with the other expressions making up the 8 Continent Series. 

If you’d like to learn more about your favourite whiskies, or simply treat yourself to a dram or two in the process, head on over to GreatDrams.com and take a look at the diverse selection of unique whiskies we currently have in stock.

With an impressive selection of limited-edition, rare, and award-winning whisky, as well as heaps of whisky info on our blog, it’s the perfect spot for any whisky lovers out there.