Glenglassaugh Portsoy Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 49,1%

The harbour town of Portsoy lies a few kilometres from the distillery, and that is where this whisky takes both its name and its direction. The smoke here is not island-hard, but it is clear enough to change the whole expression.

The expert's description

Glenglassaugh Portsoy is a peated Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in sherry, bourbon and port casks and bottled at 49.1%.

The smoke comes from peated malt and is laid over the distillery coastal character. It is a maritime smoke with seaweed and tar rather than the dry ash smoke known from several of the islands.

Portsoy is the smoky one of the three permanent expressions Glenglassaugh launched in the summer of 2023. The port casks are what set it apart from the other two, laying a dark fruit note in beneath the smoke.

Tasting notes

Nose

Rich maritime notes of tropical fruit with hints of soy from the sherry cask, followed by liquorice port notes and finally seaweed.

Palate

Full-bodied with dark chocolate, fermented soy and charred mango with syrup and a crack of sea salt.

Finish

Medium length with campfire smoke, cinnamon, leather and black pepper.

Specifications

Name: Glenglassaugh Portsoy Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 49.1%
Distillery: Glenglassaugh
Region/Country: Highland, Scotland
Type: Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: No age statement
ABV: 49.1%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Bourbon, sherry and port casks
EAN no.: 5060716144189

Flavour profile

Peated · Maritime · Dark fruit · Chocolate · Pepper

Did you know?

Portsoy is known for its green serpentine stone, which the story goes was used for two fireplaces in the Palace of Versailles. The stone was quarried right by the harbour the whisky is named after.

See our full range of Glenglassaugh

Frequently asked questions about Glenglassaugh Portsoy

How smoky is it?

Moderate. It is clearly peated, but the smoke is maritime and soft rather than sharp, and the port casks lay sweetness in underneath it.

What do the port casks do for the flavour?

They give dark fruit and a liquorice sweetness. That combination of smoke and port is what makes this one different from most peated Highland whiskies.

Why is it called Portsoy?

After the harbour town a few kilometres from the distillery. The whole new range takes its names from places nearby, and Portsoy is the one that sits closest to the sea in its expression.

Is there an age statement?

No. It is put together by taste, and the casks were allowed to decide when it was ready.

How does it differ from Sandend?

The smoke and the casks. Sandend is unpeated with manzanilla casks and lighter fruit, while Portsoy is peated with port casks and a darker, heavier profile.

Should I add water?

At 49.1% a couple of drops can loosen the smoke and bring more fruit forward. Try it neat first so you can feel the difference.

What suits it?

Smoked food and a cold evening. See the rest of the Scottish styles in our Scotch Whisky selection.