It’s always a special day when I get to taste old Scotch whisky, but it’s truly a special day when I get to taste 46-year-old Scotch! To say I’m excited and grateful for my friends at Brown Forman is an understatement. Their portfolio is awesome, and I’m so grateful for the relationship I have with their PR agency, and their ambassador teams!
One bit of housekeeping before we move on: I received this sample compliments of Glenglassaugh and their PR agency in exchange for my honest feedback and review. While life would be much easier if I were on the take like a dirty cop, I’m not, and all my reviews are honest. The presence or absence of a media sample never affects the outcome. That said, I need a drink…
First and foremost, allow me to once again just say “WOW”… Seriously, pinch me ‘cuz, like, am I dreaming?! This stuff is older than I am! With that out of the way, let’s get down to brass tacks, shall we?
Glenglassaugh, in English “Valley of the Gray-Green Place” is a distillery in the Highlands of Scotland and was founded in 1875 by Scottish Reservist Colonel and philanthropist, James Moir, who, according to Glenglassaugh Brand Ambassador Rory Glasgow, helped bring electricity and railway to the town of Portsoy.
The Glenglassaugh 46 was distilled in 1975, roughly 100 years after the distillery was first opened, but was mothballed shortly thereafter in 1986. In December 2008 production was restarted and in 2013 BenRiach bought Glenglassaugh.
Appearance: in glass this is a beautiful copper honey tone.
Nose: I’m greeted with rich notes of fruit leather, vanilla, marzipan, and oak. There are notes of cherry, orange, cinnamon, and a touch of brininess and black pepper.
Palate: lots of cherry, cinnamon, and orange on the front pallet. Moving into notes of vanilla, chocolate, and marzipan as well as a touch of coconut on the mid-palate. The back of the pallet has notes of leather and tobacco, as well as a rich fruitiness.
All in all, an absolutely stunning dram and not particularly oaky for a 46-year-old single malt.