GLENGLASSAUGH - New core range from the north coast of Scotland - Blog post by Luka Gottschalk

Our Whisky Blogger Luka Gottschalk takes a trip to Glenglassaugh and tastes their new series, with great new equipment and new flavors in the range

Post by Luka Gottschalk

Glenglassaugh is, in my opinion, an overlooked distillery from the Highland region of Scotland. Recently Glenglassaugh has launched a new core range, as well as a complete redesign of their bottles. The new bottles have a more elegant and wavy look that harmonizes with the distillery's self-image: 'Coastal Single Malt Scotch Whisky'.

Indeed, the whisky is stored in warehouses close to the sea on the north coast of Scotland. Whether the sea air actually has an impact on the end result is a matter of debate, but there's no doubt that the house style of Glenglassaugh has a maritime feel to it. How and how these notes find their way into the glass is open to interpretation!

The new core range consists of a 12 years old old whisky, as well as two non-age statement whiskies. All three releases share a common thread of distillery house style and a dominant ex-bourbon cask maturation. They then go in different directions in terms of cask character and peat smoke. In addition, they are bottled at a minimum of 46% alcohol, non - chill filtered and without added color.

The first of the bottlings I'm going to try is 12YO, then Sandend and finally Portsoy.

Glenglassaugh - 12YO - 45% ABV

Glenglassaugh 12YO has spent its maturation time in three different casks, ex-bourbon, sherry and red wine casks. As I briefly mentioned earlier, I would definitely venture to say that the ex-bourbon casks have had the biggest influence on the whisky and this applies to all three releases.

Thecolor is on the light side with an amber-golden hue.
Thearoma is spicy and sweet with notes of Finnish licorice, vanilla and sea salt.
Thetaste is bold and creamy with notes of vanilla, milk chocolate, butterscotch, lemon zest and a hint of fruit acidity.

The creamy sensation lingers for a long time, accompanied by a slight bitterness.

This is a good distillate-driven single malt, even though three different casks are used. The barrels bring some nice subtle notes and the balance is top notch.

Glenglassaugh - Sandend - 50.5% ABV

Glenglassaugh Sandend is named after Sandend Bay, which is quite close to the distillery. This time around, we have no age statement, but on the other hand, we have an increased alcohol percentage. In addition, the red wine casks have been replaced with manzanilla casks. Manzanilla can also be called a dry and almost maritime sherry, which fits perfectly with the distillery's expression. In addition to manzanilla casks, bourbon and regular sherry casks are again used.

Thecolor is again on the light side with an amber-golden hue.

Thearoma is reminiscent of its 12-year-old predecessor, but this time it is perceived as slightly sharper and more powerful. I again get notes of vanilla and lemon zest, but this time the creaminess is replaced with a darker coffee/cocoa like sensation.

Theflavor is where the manzanilla barrel really marks its arrival. We have here a much more fruity and pointed whisky, with notes of dark berries, stone fruit, plenty of pepper and a little sea salt.

The finish is significantly shorter than its 12-year-old predecessor and is more bitter and salty.

Glenglassaugh Sandend is for those who prefer a powerful and tasty kick over elegance and balance.

Glenglassaugh - Portsoy - 49.1%.

The final release in Glenglassaugh's new core series is named after the port town of Portsoy. Once again we have an increased strength, this time at 49.1% alcohol. The Portsoy bottling is definitely the whisky that stands out the most from its siblings. Like 12YO and Sandend, it is initially aged in ex-bourbon and sherry casks, but Portsoy has spent time in a port cask. In addition to this, Portsoy is also quite heavily smoked, unlike its predecessors.

Thecolor this time is a slightly darker form of amber gold.

Thepeat is one of the first things to arrive when you smell this whisky. Shortly after, a sweet aroma of figs, blood orange and raisins follows.

The taste offers maritime smoke, followed by menthol, melons and apricot.

The smoke then slowly evaporates and the port cask gently peeks out. A medium-long aftertaste of coffee, tobacco, dark fruits and black tea completes the experience.

The casks interact beautifully with each other and create a lovely dynamic interplay. The port cask is most evident on the aroma and aftertaste and the smoke is allowed to flex its muscles in the meantime.

I am positive about Glenglassaugh's three new bottlings and I personally believe that they will give the distillery some wind in the sails over the next years old. My personal favorite has to be 12YO, as the balance and the complete experience was, for me, right in the closet here. If you're going to put on the little shoes, then you definitely expect high quality for the price that has been set for the new series by Glenglassaugh.
The strength of the new range lies in the fact that the distillery's core is clearly visible in the background of all three releases, after which the whiskies go in different directions and thus embrace different whisky lovers under the same name. It is an art that can be difficult to master!

Relaterede produkter

Glenglassaugh Sandend Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 50,5%

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Glenglassaugh Portsoy Highland Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 49.1

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Glenglassaugh 12 years Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 45%

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