Glenglassaugh Sandend

Pale straw pour, and on the thin end of the spectrum. I'll start off by simply saying that if I nosed this 100% blind, I'd probably go Irish...this is a sweet, tropical, fruity, honey-filled, sugar-cookie nose. It is vibrant and inviting...and requires some time and digging to bring out a nice briny note, but plenty of melon and cantaloupe. It is light and airy if you give it a delicate nosing, but if you go in deeper, plenty of ethanol emerges. Water changes it very little...if anything, it detracts. Flavor is much more scotch-like...but remains on the sweeter end of the spectrum. Still plenty of tropical fruit - picking up some pineapple and orangey notes...still some saltiness, a bit of wood on the backend. Some spice...plenty of honey throughout makes this a very approachable scotch for those who don't really love scotch. Just a bit of alcohol burn, and like the nose, water does nothing to add, but also doesn't detract. Finish is medium...some backend dryness was a bit of a surprise, probably due to the sweet character, but kept me coming back for sip after sip. I would say this is one of the more intriguing 'whiskey of the year' winners in some time...its easy enough to find, priced well, and takes you on an interesting, unique ride that is, well, enjoyable throughout. Excited to try more Glenglassaugh products after this experience!

The nose is a little sprity, but is full of bright fruit. Apricot, tangerine, green apple, tropical fruit, then some nice maltiness. Reminds me of Irish whiskey a good bit, in particular Knappogue Castle, of which I've had both the 14 year and the 12 year Marchesi finish. The palate has all the fruit, but adds in some creamy vanilla ice cream and then slight spice toward the finish. As with the Knappogue Irish whiskies, I really enjoy this as well, and I'd give it a similar score as I gave those, 3.5-3.75. The flavors pop a little more in this, but also feels a bit younger and slightly less refined than the Knappogues.

After all the hype surrounding the whisky advocate decided to get a bottle! Nose - fresh and light. I get tropical fruits and sea salt. Pineapple and green apples. Spicyness, but very easy on the nose! Tongue - right of the bat it is very rich, it is not super sweet, rather mild sweetness. But it is oily! Coats the mouth well! Fruity and salty! Tons of clove and i get mild honey notes! It makes me want to own a boat and take it out on the waters as I pour a dram enjoying the waters! Wish the finish was longer! But an excellent dram!

Summer on a body of water in a bottle. Its so balanced and subtle. Most popular whiskies today are a smack to the senses, but this draws you in with a carefree confidence. Its somehow extremely light and tropical fruity while also having a great mouthfeel and body. Hints of salt, pear, spice, honey, and pineapple dance around the palate. Lovely. The only downside I can imagine is that this wouldnt hold up well with a full meal pairing. I imagine this would be best with some lighter fruit or a salad.

A bit sharp but a little water calms this down nicely without disrupting the flavor delivery. Nose……a bit muted but most the most dominant notes are malt, pear and coastal salinity. Mouth….mostly malt, pear and minerality like wet rocks. Comparison…..this is quite close to the Classic Laddie but maybe a touch better. The Islay Barley 2013 is readily available in my market at the moment and I’d pick up a bottle of that over the Sandend every time.

First tasting of any glenglassaugh but im very much in love. A honey/caramel sweetness with lighter spiced oak elements, tangerine, tropical fruitiness that reminds me of the beach. theres some mild spice, cereal almond nutiness then a dash of minerality. the finish is medium to long showcasing the citrus, mineral and honey. Fantastic dram, a scotch i wouldnt mind drinking in the summers heat