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

The crescent beach in Sandend Bay lies a couple of hundred metres from the warehouses. That is what the whisky is named after, and the bright, salted character fits the picture.

The expert's description

Glenglassaugh Sandend is a Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in bourbon, sherry and manzanilla casks and bottled at 50.5%.

The manzanilla casks are the unusual element. Manzanilla is a dry sherry from the coast at Sanlúcar, and the casks give a chalky, lightly salted dryness rather than the dark sweetness known from oloroso.

Bourbon casks make up most of the recipe, which pushes the whisky in a bright and fruity direction. Sandend is the unpeated one of the three permanent 2023 expressions and the easiest to approach.

Tasting notes

Nose

Soft, buttery vanilla ice cream, tropical fruit, chocolate and a touch of sea salt.

Palate

Salted caramel with a fizzing burst of pineapple, cherry and grapefruit. White pepper and almond sit behind the fruit, with a light chalky dryness from the manzanilla.

Finish

Clean and medium length with light oak, apple and vanilla biscuits.

Specifications

Name: Glenglassaugh Sandend Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 50.5%
Distillery: Glenglassaugh
Region/Country: Highland, Scotland
Type: Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: No age statement
ABV: 50.5%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Bourbon, sherry and manzanilla casks
EAN no.: 5060716144165

Flavour profile

Coastal · Tropical fruit · Vanilla · Light salt · Fresh

Did you know?

Glenglassaugh stood silent for twenty-two years. The distillery closed in 1986 and reopened on 24 November 2008, when the then First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond, fired the plant up again.

See our full range of Glenglassaugh

Frequently asked questions about Glenglassaugh Sandend

What is a manzanilla cask?

A cask that held manzanilla — a very dry sherry from the coast at Sanlúcar de Barrameda. It gives a chalky, salted dryness rather than the dark sweetness of oloroso.

Is it smoky?

No. Sandend is unpeated. If you want smoke from the same distillery, look for Portsoy.

Why is it called Sandend?

After the crescent beach in Sandend Bay right by the distillery. The warehouses face the bay, and the name points to the coastal character the whole range is built around.

How does it differ from the twelve year old?

The casks and the strength. Sandend brings manzanilla into the mix and sits at 50.5%, while the twelve year old has red wine casks and is softer at 45%.

Should I add water at 50.5%?

Try it neat first. A couple of drops can take the edge off the alcohol and bring out more of the tropical fruit, but it works fine without.

Is it one for beginners?

Yes, if you like fruity whisky. The strength is high, but the flavour is bright and straightforward, with no smoke or heavy sherry to get used to.

What can I taste it alongside?

Put it up against a bourbon-matured Speyside and see what the manzanilla does. See the full selection in our Scotch Whisky section.