Glenglassaugh Portsoy

 

 

 

49,1°

Distillery : Glenglassaugh - Highlands 

Sherry, Bourbon and Port Casks

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Richly Peated

 

 

 

In Glenglassaugh's brand new regular range, developed by Rachel Barrie, this Portsoy is the only one to have been made from peated barley. The ppm level is not specified, but it is relatively light, around 20. The triple maturation is quite complex, in Sherry, Bourbon and Port casks.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is very coastal, even maritime, fishy, with salmon, anchovies, iodine, tide and sea spray. The smoke is grainy and vaporous, enhancing the character of the distillate. Yellow, exotic fruit, lychee, pineapple, but also animal fat, with a slight astringency. The palate is more accessible, more classic, with vanilla, lemon, papaya and passion fruit. Behind, peat that gives a nice dimension, and discreet spices. The finish is strong and long, with a dash of charcoal, but the focus is back on the sea, iodine, kelp and silt. The smoke comes through.

 

In Short, 

A great success. It's very maritime, intense, with peat that's very present but not overpowering. The exotic fruits soften the whole and make it enjoyable. On the other hand, I didn't smell any red fruit; the demonstrator assured me that the Port casks were Ruby Port, which is certainly true, but I smelt more like white Port. It can be found at a good price, in which case I'd highly recommend buying it, this is the quintessence of what can be done with this distillate in large-scale distribution.

Score : 87

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Dropkick Murphys - Rose Tatoo