Although the Glenglassaugh Distillery on the outskirts of Speyside was built in 1875, it closed operations in 1986.  They specialized in making whiskies bound for blends such as Cutty Sark and Famous Grouse.  But due to the increased interest in whiskies over the past decade, they re-opened in 2008 and released new product in 2011.  In 2013, the company was purchased by The Benriach Distillery Company who also own The Glendronach Distillery.  These three new whiskies are the first expressions available to general public.

Revival is non-chill filtered, aged in ex-red wine and bourbon casks, and finished with an extra aging session in ex-sherry barrels.

Evolution is non-chill filtered and matured in ex-bourbon barrels.

Torfa is an unusually smokey Highland whiskey using heavily peated malted barley.

Revival (92 proof)
Visual: Medium gold.
Nose: Sweet malty notes with heady body and a slight salinity.
Taste: Quite light and delicate at first, almost hesitant, but it quickly opens up and matures into a fully endowed spirit.  There is a lot of Scotland here.  You get a feel for the land, the sea and the wild weather.
Finish: Quite long with faint smokey and floral notes lingering for several minutes.  The flavors beckon contemplation.
Overall: A whiskey that summons up a late Autumn evening around the hearth.  Quite evocative and wistful.
GSN Rating: A-

Evolution (100 proof)
Visual: Light gold.
Nose: Heathery, ethereal, and amazingly laden with top notes.
Taste: Despite the high-proof, subdued sweet notes along with some spice tickle the tongue.  Almost no smoke flavor at first, but there’s no mistaking this for anything but a Scotch whiskey.  Rich, enveloping and quite malty.
Finish: Welcoming sweet, dessert-like fig and anise tones slowly make their way to a fond memory of high summer.
Overall: The great outdoors captured for a moment in time.  Very approachable and warm.  Perfect for an end of the day nip.
GSN Rating: A-

Torfa (100 proof)
Visual: Very pale gold.
Nose: Loads of smoke with distant tinges of malt.
Taste: Yes, it’s smoke heavy, but in an entirely balanced and pleasant way. The malt shares the load equally and makes for a highly drinkable ode to Islay style whisky.  Very pleasant and a perfect companion for that cigar or pipe tobacco you’ve been saving for a special occasion.
Finish: The smoke casts a penumbra over everything, but the overall effect is of joyful youth and exuberance.  This is a fun whisky!
Overall: One of the more interesting Speyside whiskies and definitely one that will find a lot of Scotch lovers come courting.
GSN Rating: A

For more information go to: Glenglassaugh

Filed under: Spirits & Liqueurs