Glenglassaugh Evolution is a Highland single malt matured in a combination of hand-picked first-fill ex-Tennessee whiskey barrels, bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV) with natural colour and no chill filtration.
Glenglassaugh sits near Portsoy on the Aberdeenshire coast, just north of the Speyside border. Its spirit proved so distinctive that blenders found it hard to marry with other whiskies, and the distillery closed in 1986, deemed surplus in an era of oversupply. It was revived in 2008, and Evolution, the follow-up to Revival, was one of the early releases of the reborn distillery.
Maturing in first-fill Tennessee whiskey barrels gives the whisky great depth of character and finesse, a harmonious combination of whisky and oak. Expect lots of fresh oaky notes, spice, pear and banana, over the distillery's coastal, fruit-forward character.
Presented in its box, it is a fine gift for malt lovers who enjoy a full-strength dram.
Tennessee whiskey is made much like bourbon but filtered through maple charcoal before ageing, and the first-fill barrels that held it give a Scotch whisky sweet vanilla, caramel and a soft, rounded oak character.
First-fill means the cask is being used for Scotch for the first time after emptying, so its influence on the whisky is at its strongest.
Bottling at 50% without chill filtration keeps the natural oils and texture of the spirit, and a few drops of water open up the fruit.
Glenglassaugh means valley of the grey-green land in Gaelic, a nod to the landscape around the distillery overlooking Sandend Bay.
Tasting Notes
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Character: Fresh oak, spice, pear and banana.
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Style: Coastal and fruit-forward.
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Strength: 50%, non-chill filtered, natural colour.
Specifications
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Producer: Glenglassaugh Distillery
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Style: Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
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Cask / Finish: First-fill ex-Tennessee whiskey barrels
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Proof / ABV: 100 proof (50% ABV)
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Region: Portsoy, Aberdeenshire, Highlands, Scotland
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Size: 750ml, with box
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat, then add a little water to open the fruit. It pairs with pear tart, banana bread or a mild blue cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
What casks are used?
Hand-picked first-fill ex-Tennessee whiskey barrels.
Is it chill filtered?
No, it is non-chill filtered with natural colour.
When was the distillery revived?
In 2008, after closing in 1986.
Explore more in our Scotch collection.
