Distillery
Glenglassaugh
Scottish producer of single malt located on Sandend Bay (near Portsoy, Aberdeenshire). Known as a 'coastal malt', Glenglassaugh was founded in the 19th century, underwent periods of inactivity and revival, was restarted in 2008 and has been part of Brown‑Forman since 2016; a new core range was launched in 2023.
- Sandend (Portsoy) · Highlands / Aberdeenshire · Scotland, United Kingdom
- Since 1875
- 2 products
The story
Founded in 1875 by James Moir on the banks of the Glassaugh burn, the site has a fragmented history: it closed in the early 20th century, was reactivated by Highland Distillers in 1959, halted production in 1986 and remained largely silent until 2008 when a group of investors brought it back into operation. Brown‑Forman acquired the brand in 2016 and in 2023 the distillery relaunched its core range with expressions such as 12 Year Old, Sandend and Portsoy.
Production philosophy
The production identity is based on the interaction between land and sea: local spring water (Glassaugh spring), coastal warehouses and the influence of sea air are stated elements that contribute to the aromatic profile of the range. The approach emphasizes the site's sense of place on the coast.
Territory
Sandend Bay / Portsoy, Aberdeenshire – north‑eastern coast of Scotland. The area is described as a maritime environment that influences the sensory characteristics of the whiskies (saline/mineral notes).
Awards and recognition
Glenglassaugh Sandend was named Whisky of the Year by Whisky Advocate in 2023; some historic bottles such as Revival have received IWSC medals in previous years.
Production method
Traditional single malt distillation using copper pot stills followed by maturation in oak casks stored in coastal warehouses that impart influence on the spirit. Water used comes from the Glassaugh spring.
Distillation
Double distillation in copper pot stills (traditional method for single malt); historic facility with the stillhouse refurbished after the restart.
Ageing
Maturation in oak casks stored in coastal warehouses; some expressions use bourbon barrel (first‑fill and refill) maturation and finishes in sherry casks (e.g. Oloroso) or other specific casks for limited releases.
Characteristics
- Type
- Distillery
- City
- Sandend (Portsoy)
- Categories
- whisky
- Scotch single malt
- Highland single malt
- coastal whisky
- Raw materials
- malted barley
- Casks and ageing vessels
- ex‑bourbon (first‑fill and refill)
- Oloroso sherry butts
- Tennessee barrels (e.g. George Dickel) — used in some releases
- Representative products
- Glenglassaugh Evolution 50% 70cl
- Glenglassaugh Revival 70cl
- Glenglassaugh 12 Year Old
- Glenglassaugh Sandend
- Glenglassaugh Portsoy
What makes it distinctive
- Coastal distillery with a strong focus on the maritime 'sense of place' and the local Glassaugh spring.
- Founded in 1875; production restarted in 2008; acquired by Brown‑Forman in 2016.
- Relaunched core range in 2023 with 12 Year Old, Sandend and Portsoy.
- Notable expressions past and present include Revival, Evolution, Sandend and Portsoy.