Glenglassaugh Revival Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Glenglassaugh has been described as a 'coastal' distillery, being located in northern Speyside near Glen Deveron and Banff. Founded in 1875, between 1960 and 1986 it produced malt whiskies for the blending market, in particular the Cutty Sark and Famous Grouse blends. However, it suffered from the recession riddled decline that plagued the Scotch whisky industry in the early 1980s and was mothballed in 1986. It restarted production in November 2008 after being acquired by independent investors, the Edrington Group, following a complete refurbishment by the new owners.

The malt has always been popular with blenders so few official distillery bottlings have ever made it to market. Until recently, that is. In 2009 the new company released some of the old stocks with outstanding success. At the 2009 International Wine and Spirit Competition Awards the 30 Year Old expression was awarded a Gold Medal (Best in Class) and the trophy for Best Cask Strength Scotch Whisky and the 40 Year Old was awarded Gold Medal (Best in Class) and the trophy for Best 40 Year Old Scotch Whisky. The 40 year old was also awarded Best 40 Year Old Scotch Whisky and 96 points in Jim Murray's Whisky Bible.

Glenglassaugh Revival is the first widely-available single malt from the resurrected distillery and comes matured in both first and refill casks then finished in first-fill oloroso sherry butts for a period of six months. It presents a teasing bouquet that rewards patience; gradually developing with sponge cake, vanilla, cream biscuits and fresh oak. Deliciously crisp on delivery, evoking caramelised fruits and cream tea biscuits, balanced by suggestions of lemon tart and straw at the finish. Like its sister bottling 'Torfa' , this boasts lovely purity and poise and represents a massive improvement over its first incarnation (circa 2013). 46% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Matured in a combination of used red-wine casks and Bourbon barrels, then finished in oloroso Sherry barrels, this honey-hued Scotch has a Sherried peach-nectar aroma. The palate shows notes of almond and cedar, finishing with hits of lemon peel and smoke. 89 points - wineenthusiast.com

First tasted January 2013: [from a 10 ml sample]. Pale gold. Scents of flat ginger beer and vague cereals present in the initial pass, gaining sweetness and definition with subsequent sniffs. Opens light and lively in the mouth though a tad sulphury followed by bittersweet spices at mid palate. Warming spirit. Thins out, tailing off to a delicate and rather fleeting conclusion. 86 points