Glenglassaugh is a coastal Highland whisky distillery located near the small town of Portsoy in Banffshire, Scotland. Although geographically positioned in Speyside, it is classified under the Highland whisky region. The distillery is notable for its spicy and lightly maritime single malt whisky, characterized by a distinctive fruity profile.

History

Construction of Glenglassaugh began in 1873 on Craig Mills Farm and was completed in 1875 by local wine and liquor dealer James Moir, founding the Glenglassaugh Distillery Company. The distillery underwent periods of closure during its history, notably from 1907 to 1931 and again from 1936 until a comprehensive renovation in 1960. It was mothballed again in 1986 and remained inactive until December 2008 when it was revived after being purchased by the Scaent Group for £5 million.

In March 2013, the BenRiach Distillery Company acquired Glenglassaugh from Lumiere Holdings in Amsterdam. Subsequently, in April 2016, the BenRiach Distillery Company, including Glenglassaugh, was acquired by Brown-Forman, the American producer of Jack Daniel's and Finlandia Vodka.

Production

Glenglassaugh employs traditional production methods including an old Porteus mill, iron mash tun, and a combination of wooden and stainless steel washbacks. The distillery has expanded its production capacity significantly, producing predominantly unpeated whisky with a small annual production of peated malt.

Whisky Character

The whisky from Glenglassaugh is known for its strong fruit and berry notes, complemented by underlying spices. Younger expressions tend to exhibit sharper, more coastal characteristics, while older bottlings offer a balanced complexity.

Products

Key expressions from Glenglassaugh include:

• Glenglassaugh Revival: A 3-year-old whisky finished in Oloroso sherry barrels.
• Glenglassaugh Evolution: Matured in American oak barrels and bottled at 50% ABV.
• Glenglassaugh Torfa: A peated expression matured in ex-Bourbon barrels, bottled at 50% ABV.

Visitor Experience

Glenglassaugh offers tours, allowing visitors to explore its historic distillery and learn about its whisky production. The distillery's remote location adds to its charm, situated near the River Spey and the North Sea coast.