This old Highlander has been a fixture on Aberdeenshire’s northern coast since 1875, but like so many of Scotland’s smaller distilleries its single malts have been hard to come by. That is, until now.

Historically, Glenglassaugh supplied stock to blenders, while rare official bottlings offered a tantalising glimpses of a weighty spirit filled with notes of tropical fruit. In 2023 – with celebrated master blender Rachel Barrie at the helm – this characterful single malt is ready to make its mark on the whisky world. These three expressions showcase different aspects of the Glenglassaugh distillery character, drawing inspiration from the local landscape, including the nearby town of Portsoy and the picturesque Sandend Bay.

While Glenglassaugh had some success with blenders over the years its tropical style, tinged with coastal minerality, often proved too assertive to play well with others. As a result, the distillery stood silent for long periods of time, as if waiting for the world to be ready for its characterful spirit. When Rachel Barrie took charge of Glenglassaugh – fresh from her work on the famed Benriach and Glendronach distilleries – she set about laying down stock in preparation to re-introduced it to the world. With the new core range already making waves, this once-obscure Highlander is quickly establishing itself as a distillery to watch.