In 2008, Glenglassaugh distillery emerged from a prolonged slumber, and now this hidden gem unveils a fresh collection of single malts, breathing new life into its legacy.
The range consists of three bottles. A 12 year old, Sandend and Portsoy.
With a profound connection to the land and sea, the reimagined portfolio and its design effortlessly encapsulate the essence of the vibrant coastal spirit. Like all Glenglassaugh single malts, the new whisky has been lovingly matured in the distillery's coastal warehouses, where panoramic views of the rolling surf at Sandend Bay create a captivating backdrop for the maturation process.
At the heart of the release is the flagship 12-year-old expression, embodying the distillery's renowned coastal style. This captivating range also showcases an evolved artistic direction, drawing inspiration from the undulating sand tides of Sandend Bay and capturing the hues of sea glass. The 12 year old will retail at £50 per bottle.
Buy Glenglassaugh 12-year-old.
The two additional whiskies, Sandend and Portsoy, beautifully showcase the enchanting coastal characteristics of Glenglassaugh. Sandend, named after the crescent beach of Sandend Bay, undergoes maturation in bourbon, sherry, and manzanilla casks, resulting in luscious waves of tropical sweetness with a subtle hint of sea salt. Portsoy, inspired by the nearby harbour village, exudes a bold and deeply maritime flavour as a richly peated single malt, aged in sherry, bourbon, and port casks. Sandend and Portsoy will be priced at £55 and £60, respectively.
“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.” ~ Rachel Barrie, Master Blender at Glenglassaugh Distillery
In celebration of this momentous occasion, Glenglassaugh has teamed up with acclaimed landscape photographer Richard Gaston to launch a captivating photography series, capturing the distillery's profound connection to the land and sea. Richard, a renowned Scottish travel and lifestyle photographer and co-author of Wild Guide Scotland, perfectly captures the essence of Glenglassaugh's intertwined heritage.
In the coming months, the portfolio will also welcome a selection of releases dating back to the 1960s and 1970s, paying homage to Glenglassaugh's heritage expressions and revisiting a significant era that played a pivotal role in shaping the distinctive Highland coastal malt we appreciate today.
About Glenglassaugh
Glenglassaugh is a Scottish whisky distillery located near Portsoy, in the Speyside region of Scotland. It is known for producing single malt Scotch whisky, and its history can be traced back to 1875 when it was founded by James Moir and his two nephews, Alexander and William Morrison. The distillery is situated on the coast of the Moray Firth, which is known for its rugged beauty and maritime influence on the whisky production.
Glenglassaugh has experienced a somewhat turbulent history, with periods of closure and changes in ownership. It operated continuously from its establishment until 1986 when it faced financial difficulties and was mothballed. During this time, the distillery remained silent and inactive for over two decades.
In 2008, the BenRiach Distillery Company, under the ownership of Billy Walker, acquired Glenglassaugh and revived its production. The distillery was refurbished, and in 2009, it started distilling whisky again. This marked the beginning of a new chapter for Glenglassaugh, as it aimed to reestablish its reputation for producing high-quality single malts.
Glenglassaugh whiskies are known for their coastal character, often exhibiting a unique combination of sweet, fruity, and maritime flavours. The distillery has traditionally used both peated and unpeated malt in its production, providing a range of flavour profiles for whisky enthusiasts to explore.
Under the ownership of the BenRiach Distillery Company, Glenglassaugh has released a variety of expressions, including non-age-statement releases and limited editions such as Revival, Evolution, and Torfa. These whiskies have gained recognition and appreciation from whisky lovers worldwide, with their distinct flavours and the distillery's commitment to craftsmanship.
It's worth noting that Glenglassaugh whiskies can vary in style and flavour depending on the production methods and maturation processes employed for each expression. Some common tasting notes associated with Glenglassaugh whiskies include notes of citrus fruits, orchard fruits, honey, vanilla, brine, and subtle hints of smoke.
Overall, Glenglassaugh is a distillery that has overcome challenges and undergone a revival in recent years. Its whiskies offer a taste of the coastal influences and rich history of the Speyside region, making it a noteworthy distillery for whisky enthusiasts to explore.
