Glenglassaugh Distillery is located in the highland whisky region but it does still carry many traits from the speyside region.. Located in the North east of Scotland, just a few miles from the small town of Portsoy in Banffshire the Distillery was first founded in 1875 by James Moir, a local entrepreneur who along with his two Nephews started up this latest enterprise in order to satisfy his customers..

The site was Originally chosen and set up due to the proximity of the Glassaugh springs and easy access to barley that was grown locally.  In 1892 the Distillery was sold due to the death’s of James and one of his nephews William Morrison to Highland Distillers who owned the Distillery until 2008.. ( Highland Distillers are a subsidiary of the Edrington Group)

In 2013 the Distillery was sold again to The Benriach Distillery Group who owned the Glendronach and Benriach Distilleries before then selling all 3 to Brown -Forman..

This bottle I am reviewing today is a 40 yo laid down in 1975 and has spent a finishing period in one single Masandra Madeira cask #2180.. Bottled in September 2015 with an outturn of only 588 bottles this has an abv of 43.9%..

Nose.. A burst of berries and a distinct aniseed note instantly grab your attention before soft coffee notes mingle with dried fruits, chocolate and almonds coated in burnt sugar.. Candied orange and peardrop sweets come into play with glacier cherries,  caramel and an old leather bound chair that has seen better days..

Palate..  This starts off just where the nose finished.. Soft dried fruits and an abundance of fruit syrup, chocolate and berries.. Subtle oak leads into gentle spices with a hint of citrus and coffee..

Finish.. Fruity and full of sweetness

Thoughts.. Pure Class.. Luxurious and warming, seductive and ever so tempting.. A supermodel in the terms of whisky…

Over the top ? No not at all..

This is one of those bottles that easily makes you forget where you are and just makes you slip into an alternative time zone.. A large cigar, the best of friends sitting in armchairs all nodding in acceptance of this superb whisky, total silence as you just breathe in, sip and savour the wonderful aromas and flavours captured within.

Glenglassaugh 1975, 40yo Rare Cask

My thanks go to Eddie Mullen for this sample of liquid gold !!