Glenglassaugh distillery sits on the coast, around a 45 minute drive north-east from Dufftown. Following a two decade slumber the distillery was reawakened in 2008 and now boasts not only a new portfolio and design direction but also a rich history of aged whiskies just waiting to be brought to life. Three of them have just arrived on our shores.
For now we have the flagship 12 Year Old Single Malt, a 50.5% ABV coastal beauty “Sanded”, named after the bay in which the distillery resides, and “Portsoy” a full bodied highland peated malt.
These thee whiskies have been brought to life by renowned master blender, Rachel Barrie, who said; “the new portfolio brings together all the key elements of Glenglassaugh’s spirit. Inspired by its truly unique coastal location, the new expressions transport us to a place where the spirit is awakened and soul invigorated, inviting us to stop, take a breath and appreciate our surroundings.”
“To taste Glenglassaugh Single Malt is to experience the coastal influence of Sandend Bay and the ancient harbour towns nearby. Shaped by the coalescence of land and sea, the senses are awakened by the imposing yet calming crash of waves and the sweet smell of gorse in the air,” continued Barrie.
At a pre-launch event, exploredrinks.com got to taste the three expressions.
Glenglassaugh 12 Year Old
The Glenglassaugh 12 Year Old embodies the signature coastal style. Matured in bourbon, sherry and red wine casks for luscious waves of ripe fruit carried on an ocean breeze.
Colour: Luminous gold
Nose: Sweet coastal waves of ripe apricot and fig meld with toasted vanilla and tropical flora, carried on a warm ocean breeze.
Taste: Candied pistachio, date and sweet fig roll into waves of morello cherry and whipped
cream, infused with fresh coastal air.
ABV: 45%
Sandend
Inspired by the crescent beach of Sandend Bay, Glenglassaugh Sandend is matured in bourbon, sherry and manzanilla casks for luscious waves of flavour.
Colour: Summer gold
Nose: Soft buttery vanilla ice-cream drenched in tropical fruit, with chocolate and a touch of sea salt.
Taste: Waves of salted-caramel with an effervescent burst of pineapple, cherry and grapefruit, enlivened by the ocean shore.
ABV: 50.5%
Portsoy
The neighbouring harbour village of Portsoy inspires the deep maritime flavour of this richly
peated single malt, matured in sherry, bourbon and port casks.
Colour: Deep amber
Nose: Rich maritime waves infused with tropical fruit and sherried dark soy, rolling into port with liquorice and sea kelp.
Taste: Full-bodied with dark chocolate, fermented soy and charred mango with treacle and a
crack of sea salt.
ABV: 49.1%