Glenglassaugh : Portsoy

Tasting characteristics and recommendations for Glenglassaugh Portsoy

Tasting

Appearance
Amber hue adorned with golden and coppery highlights.

Nose
The nose develops rich maritime waves infused with tropical fruits and a note of dark sherried soy sauce, with touches of liquorice and seaweed. Aromas of pear, ripe apple, lemon and wood smoke intertwine with raisins, vanilla and sherry rancio.

Palate
On the palate, warmth and peat manifest without being overpowering, immediately followed by aromas of dark chocolate, fermented soy and roasted mango, supported by a touch of molasses and sea salt.

A peated single malt from the Scottish Highlands with a maritime character

Glenglassaugh, a resilient coastal distillery in the Highlands

Founded between 1873 and 1875 by James Moir and Thomas Wilson near Portsoy in the Scottish Highlands, Glenglassaugh embodies resilience. This Scottish single malt whisky has experienced a turbulent history, spending more time closed than open over 150 years. After closing in 1986, the distillery was reborn in 2008 thanks to Stuart Nickerson and the Scaent Group, becoming profitable within three years. Acquired by The BenRiach Distillery Co. in 2013, then by Brown-Forman in 2016, its current owner, Glenglassaugh stands out for its unique coastal character and production capacity of 1.1 million litres per year.

Portsoy, peated expression of Glenglassaugh's revival

Portsoy takes its name from the historic harbour village located near Glenglassaugh distillery, on the Sandend Bay coast. This peated single malt represents one of the flagship expressions born from the distillery's revival after two decades of interruption. Crafted under the direction of Rachel Barrie, renowned master blender, this whisky benefits from finishing in three types of casks: sherry, bourbon and port. This triple maturation brings remarkable aromatic complexity, combining peated notes with the maritime influences characteristic of the coastal distillery. Bottled at 49.1% vol., Portsoy perfectly illustrates Glenglassaugh's identity: a balance between Highland peat, sea spray and the richness brought by quality casks.