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Glenglassaugh is a brand of Scotch whiskey produced by the distillery of the same name in the Speyside region. In total, the enterprise has been idle for more than seventy years, but is currently experiencing a rebirth. The assortment of the plant is divided into two parts – relatively young whiskey and drinks with a long aging period. The oldest release is based on spirits distilled back in the 1960s.
Historical information
The Glenglassaugh distillery is located in the northeast of Scotland near the town of Portsoy. The plant on the banks of the Spey River was built in 1875 by the merchant James Moir, along with his two nephews, Alexander and William Morrison. The entrepreneur wanted to produce high quality whiskey to meet the growing demands of his customers.
The site for construction was chosen due to the proximity of a water source and a large amount of barley in the surrounding fields. There was another reason – the place has long been famous as a center for clandestine whiskey production, which removed the problems with finding qualified workers.
Under family management, the plant worked for 15 years, but first the founder himself, and then one of his nephews, died. Left alone, Alexander Morrison was forced to sell the plant, and Highland Distillers became the buyer. The decline in demand for whiskey led to the closure of the distillery in 1907 and for many years the production facilities were mothballed.
The revival in the market in the 1960s prompted the owners to carry out a complete reconstruction and modernization of the enterprise. Whiskey was distilled until 1986, but the crisis in the alcohol market in Scotland forced the owners to stop the distillery again. For a long time, Glenglassaugh was not remembered, and no one believed that the distillery would ever resume work.
The second birth of the distillery took place in 2008, when it became the property of the Dutch company Scaent Group. In the cellars of the building, about 400 barrels of spirits remained, distilled throughout the previous period of work. Until the maturation of young whiskey, the company produced vintage releases with a long exposure time, which brought the brand international fame and a whole collection of medals at industry competitions.
In 2013, the distillery underwent another reconstruction: equipment was updated and a visitor center was opened. A year later, a new line of peat whiskey was released. After another change of owners, the distillery was owned by the American company Brown-Forman.
Awards
World Whiskey Awards 2015 – gold medal and victory in its class;
International Wine & Spirit Competition:
- 2013 – 2016 – silver medals;
- 2014 – 2016 – gold medals.
Interesting Facts
- The reopening of the distillery after a long period of inactivity has become a significant event in Scotland. The first minister of the country, Alex Salmond, took part in the celebration on the occasion of the opening of the plant, which took place in November 2008.
- In 2010, writer and expert Ian Buxton released a book on the history of the Glenglassaugh distillery. The author worked as a marketing consultant at the factory for a long time and participated in the start-up of the enterprise in 2008.
Types of Glenglass whiskey
Glenglassaugh Revival, 46%
The first whiskey that the distillery began to produce after the revival of the plant. Double aged in bourbon and sherry casks. The drink is copper-colored, with hints of caramel, nuts, honey and chocolate in the aroma. The taste is sweet, with nuances of orange, ripe cherries, walnuts and wine-soaked wood. At the finish, warming spices enter.
Glenglassaugh Evolution, 50%
Whiskey matures in bourbon barrels, which the company buys in Tennessee. Golden color scotch with barley, pineapple and vanilla flavors. On the palate, woody and apple notes come to the fore, then hints of salted caramel, fruit syrup and bananas are added to them. Vanilla is felt in the aftertaste.
Glenglassaugh 51 Years Old, 41,7%
Elite whiskey from casks deposited in 1963. An oily copper-colored drink with raspberry reflections. The rich aroma combines hints of figs, apricots, prunes, blackberries, coffee and vanilla. Molasses, canned fruit, herbs and clove oil stand out in a rich bouquet, followed by black pepper and woods.
