Glenglassaugh Sandend

Glenglassaugh Sandend is part of the new core lineup from Glenglassaugh distillery, which restarted production in 2008, and was acquired by the Brown-Forman Co. of the United States in 2016. You might know Brown-Forman as the producers of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey or Old Forester and Woodford Reserve Bourbons. They also own Glendronach and Benriach as part of their Scotch Whisky portfolio.

Glenglassaugh Sandend is a single malt Highland Scotch Whisky, named for Sandend Bay near the distillery, and is branded as a “coastal malt”. It is non-age stated, bottled at 101 proof, and matured in a combination of bourbon, sherry, and manzanilla casks.

Tasting Notes

Nose: There is plenty of oaky vanilla from the bourbon barrels, and also some waxy nuts and apple. I’m definitely getting the tropical fruits I was looking for, in the form of underripe pineapple and perhaps mango. There is maybe a touch of coastal scent, but that could be the marketing influencing my brain. There is some mild barley sweetness as well. This is an inviting and complex nose.

Palate: The nose mostly translates to the palate, but doesn’t reach quite the same heights as the nose. There is pineapple, apricot and vanilla, and a pleasant sweetness. The proof makes itself known but is not overpowering. The finishing casks do not overpower and let the flavor of the distillate come through.

Finish: Medium length. Apricot, vanilla, tannic oak.