Glenglassaugh Evolution Review

Country: Scotland

Region: Highland - Speyside

Brand: Glenglassaugh Evolution (Limited Release)

Type: Single Malt

Age: NAS (Probably 3 years Old) 

ABV: 57.2 %

Date: 07/11/2013

Colour: Pale Straw/White Wine

Nose: Very Young, Fresh, Crisp and Floral with Grass, Hay, Malt, Buttered Toast, Honey, Toffee, Lemon, Oak and hints of Cherries and Gooseberries. The Alcohol is there of course but not at all in an irritating way.

Taste: Young but Creamy and Spicy with Vanilla, Banana, Honey, Butterscotch, Oak, Nuts, White Pepper, Alcohol and a touch of Lemon.

Finish: Dry and Creamy at the same time with Lemon Zest, Oak, light Licorice, Coconut Biscuits, Vanilla and light Spices (White Pepper).

I added a few drops of Water and on the Nose you get lots of extra Honey and Butterscotch. But Palate and Finish become a bit too Peppery for my taste. Still,  you should certainly try out a few drops!

Rating: 84.5 

Nose: 21.5 - Taste: 21 - Finish: 21 - Overall: 21

General Remarks: The Glenglassaugh Distillery is located in Portsoy, Banffshire and was founded in 1875 by James Moir and his two nephews William and Alexander Morrison. In 1892 the distillery was sold to Highland Distillers and it remained in their possession until 2008. It was closed three times in its history, most recently between 1986 and 2008. In 2008 it was revived by the Dutch Scaent Group. Finally, in 2013, Glenglassaugh was bought by The BenRiach Distillery Company that also operates BenRiach and GlenDronach. 

The Evolution is the follow up to the Revival. It matures in ex-Tennessee Whiskey Casks (George Dickel), is bottled at Cask Strength, is naturally coloured and not Chill-Filtered. Both the Evolution (November 2012) and the Revival were released before the take-over by BenRiach. The Evolution costs around 90 US Dollars.

Drinking Experience Neat: Good

Conclusion: Very nice for such a young and immature Single Malt. It is a bit expensive for a 3 year old though. The high ABV did not bother me at all. Just imagine this Evolution after 12 years in the Cask when the Alcohol should be fully integrated and a better balance should exist between Wood, Spirit, Fruit and Spices. But I can't deny that I already thoroughly enjoyed sipping this Glenglassaugh.What a pity I only had a very small sample. I will certainly give more attention to this distillery in the near future. Well done! I hope and trust that the new owners will continue to produce quality spirits like this!  

Jan van den Ende                                                          November 2013