Glenglassaugh Evolution Single Highland Malt Whisky 50%

Ex-Tennessee casks are a rare sight in a Scottish warehouse. Evolution is built on them alone, which makes it one of the more unusual bottlings from the north coast.

The expert's description

Glenglassaugh Evolution is a Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky matured in first fill ex-Tennessee casks and bottled at 50%.

The whisky carries no age statement. It is non-chill filtered and of natural colour, and the 50% is chosen to hold the cask spice and the sweetness of the malt up at the same time.

The casks are hand-picked, and because they are first fill a lot of wood comes through. The result is a drier and more peppery whisky than the sherried part of the range.

Tasting notes

Nose

Sweet barley, pineapple and soft buttery vanilla. Deeper oak spice and caramelised pear develop after a while.

Palate

Robust, with white pepper and oak running through crisp green apple and freshly cracked barley. A gentle salted caramel emerges alongside ripe banana.

Finish

Vibrant, with classic oak spices and soft fruits wrapped in vanilla.

Specifications

Name: Glenglassaugh Evolution Single Highland Malt Whisky 50%
Distillery: Glenglassaugh
Region/Country: Highland, Scotland
Type: Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: No age statement
ABV: 50%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: 1st fill ex-Tennessee casks
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Colour: Natural
EAN no.: 5060193841625

Flavour profile

Vanilla · Green apple · Pepper · Oak · Robust

Did you know?

Tennessee whiskey is filtered through charcoal before it goes into cask. The casks therefore carry a slightly different imprint than ordinary bourbon barrels, and that is one reason Evolution tastes different from the rest of the range.

See our full range of Glenglassaugh

Frequently asked questions about Glenglassaugh Evolution

What is an ex-Tennessee cask?

A cask that held Tennessee whiskey before it was filled with Scotch. The rules require new oak for Tennessee whiskey, so the casks are young and pass on plenty of vanilla and spice.

Why no age statement?

Because it is put together by taste rather than by years. The distillery restarted production in 2008, and the early bottlings were released when the casks were ready.

Is 50% too strong?

Not necessarily. Taste it neat first, then add a couple of drops of water. The green fruit notes step forward more clearly as the strength drops.

Is it smoky?

No. Evolution is unpeated. The smoky expression from the same distillery is called Portsoy.

What does non-chill filtered mean?

That the whisky has not been chilled down and filtered to remove fatty acids. It gives more body in the mouth, but the whisky may turn hazy when cold.

How does it differ from the twelve year old?

The casks. Evolution is drier and more peppery from American oak alone, while the twelve year old brings sherry and red wine into the mix and is rounder.

What should I taste alongside it?

Put it up against a classic bourbon-matured Speyside and feel the difference the casks make. There is plenty to choose from in our Scotch Whisky selection.