My very belated next review is not only my 50th whisky review (woo hoo!), but this whisky was also my 100th whisky tasted. My blind sample was kindly provided by WhiskyBrother Marc and the only clue I was given was the ABV. Then via the wonders of modern technology (Twitter), I conversed with Marc as to what I thought the whisky was once I had tasted it.
Whisky: Glenglassaugh 25yo, 45.3% ABV
Region: Speyside, Scotland
Style: Single Malt
Age: 25 years
Glenglassaugh Distillery was founded by Col. James Moir in 1875. After being completely re-built in 1960, the distillery continued to produce whisky until November 1986 when it was mothballed. The distillery sat silent for over 20 years until it was purchased by a group of investors and started production again in December 2008. In 2013, the BenRiach Distillery Company took over Glenglassaugh distillery.
This whisky was specially selected by Jonathan Miles for the Whisky Academy to be their first bottling, as a fine example of what Glenglassaugh and Scotland has to offer after 25 years of aging. It was distilled in 1986 and bottled in 2001. With only 216 bottles being produced it will remain a rarity as there are no more 1986 casks (they closed in November 1986).
Colour: Tawny to auburn with lovely long and thick legs.
Nose: Sweet pecan nut slice with feint hints of citrus fruits and some winter spices. A sprinkling of Christmas cake mix, a dash of florallyness and a dollop of cooked caramel and toffee is also to be found. A nice bit of chocolate rounds out the nose quite nicely.
Palate: Starts off with a sweet and woody spiciness that coats your whole tongue, followed by a raisin and nut mix. There is also some bitter dark chocolate with citrus fruit zest at end and back of one’s mouth. The mouth feel is a warm and smooth one.
Finish: Lovely, warm and lingering with sweet spicy bite of cloves and cinnamon that tingles one’s tongue and lips.
Overall: My first introduction to Glenglassaugh and what an exceptional introduction it was. This is a dram that has complexity and smoothness to it. If you can try this one you really should!
My Score: 88
The Smoky Dram 