Description

Glenglassaugh 2014 Aged 8 Years Cask 2370 Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Infrequent Flyers #114 (700ml)

Volume: 700ml             ABV: 59.1%             Age: 8 Years Old             Country: Scotland

Cask Number(s): 2370
Date of Distilling: 2014
Matured In: a single Virgin Oak Cask
Un-Chillfiltered

Alistair Walker is a highly experienced professional in the Scotch whisky industry, with a career spanning over two decades, including significant roles at Burn Stewart Distillers and The BenRiach Distillery Company (which also owned GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh). He founded his independent bottling company in 2018. Launched in July 2019, this is the flagship brand of his company. The name “Infrequent Flyers” reflects Alistair’s mission to bottle whiskies from distilleries that are less commonly seen as single malts or whose expressions are not widely available. It also hints at the unique, sometimes unexpected, character of the individual casks he selects. Alistair Walker is dedicated to bottling whiskies in their most authentic form, typically as single cask bottlings, un-chill filtered, natural colour and cask strength. Alistair is known for his expertise in cask selection and management, often utilising diverse and interesting cask types (like the refill sherry butt here) to influence the whisky’s profile and bring out different facets of the spirit.

Situated on the coast of Sandend Bay, near Portsoy, in the Highland region of Scotland. Its coastal location is often cited as a key influence on its spirit, imparting subtle maritime characteristics. Glenglassaugh has a storied and somewhat turbulent history. It was founded in 1875 by James Moir. After periods of successful operation, it famously spent a long time in “mothball” status, from 1986 until it was re-opened and re-commissioned in 2008. This makes older Glenglassaugh whiskies incredibly rare and sought after. It was acquired by BenRiach Distillery Company (along with BenRiach and GlenDronach) in 2013, and then by Brown-Forman in 2016. When it resumed production, Glenglassaugh aimed to maintain traditional methods while producing both unpeated and peated single malts. Its unique coastal location contributes to its character, often described as having a coastal, fruity, and sometimes nutty profile. The re-opened distillery has also experimented with various cask types for maturation.

This is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky, distilled at Glenglassaugh in 2014 and matured for 8 years. It was bottled from cask #2370, which was a Virgin Oak Barrel. “Virgin Oak” refers to new, unused oak barrels that have not previously held any other spirit. These casks are often heavily charred, and they impart very active, strong flavours like vanilla, caramel, toasted notes, and spice much more quickly than used casks. It was bottled at a robust cask strength of 59.1% alc/vol and produced a limited outturn of 263 bottles

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Described as “sweet as a nut!” Expect rich, confectionary notes like custard creams and shortbread. There’s a strong presence of toasted coconut, Madagascan vanilla, and marzipan. Hints of strawberry yogurt or other ripe fruits can also be present, providing a contrast to the deep oak.

Palate: Rich, sweet, and indulgent with a great viscosity (mouthfeel) that meets youthful vibrancy. The big virgin oak influence is clear, bringing flavours of honeycomb, strong vanilla, and more marzipan. You might find notes reminiscent of Cinnabons (cinnamon scrolls), followed by a touch of sweet, spicy pepper that balances the sweetness.

Finish: Long and satisfying, with lingering notes of sweet oak, vanilla, and spice. The warmth from the higher ABV and the oak influence provide a comforting, extended finish.

This bottling is a bold statement, showcasing how Glenglassaugh’s spirit can stand up to and integrate with the intense flavours imparted by virgin oak, resulting in a rich and distinctive dram. A bold and flavourful expression, perfect for those who appreciate the robust influence of new oak on a vibrant Highland spirit. It’s a fantastic example of a well-chosen independent bottling showcasing a distinctive cask influence.