As Glenglassaugh was revived in 2008 after a hiatus of 22 years, expectations were high. The products of the old distillery were pretty much a mixed bag and due to the lack of an official bottling and the low number of independent releases only known to the connoisseurs with a larger purse. People didn't know what to expect, most of the old equipment had been dismantled by the former owners up to the point that some made the argument that this distillery could be classified as a new one.
Due to monetary concerns didn't have to wait too long before trying the first creations as the company running the distillery back than even released some of the new made spirit. In 2012 they released their first spirit that could legally be called "whisky": The Glenglassaugh Revival.
Description: Matured in virgin oak bourbon & red wine casks, finished in sherry cask. A red golden colour (no colour added), bottled at 46% ABV.
Nose: slightly sour and floral: notes of porridge & citrus with a touch of ginger and metallic fragrances reminiscent of copper (from the new stills?)
Mouth: a light body, young and nervous on the palate. It opens with a short-lived alcoholic attack on the tongue that turns slightly sour with some notes of cheap sherry, potato snaps and orange.
Finish: a long and lingering bitter finish featuring a bouquet of milk and vanilla, with spicy oak in the tail
The Verdict: A promise for more, or an attempt to make a quick buck before its prime? Safe to say that I didn’t like this young whisky at all. With a variety of wood finishes the Scaent group conjured up a whisky that drew the attention of the BenRiach group who took over just a year later. Thus far I fail to observe any redeemable qualities or elements that could blossom into something beautiful. But I will surely explore her older sisters in the near future.
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