Sunday Sipper – Glenglassaugh Sandend

Occasionally we strike gold.

We did with this one. All credit goes to Joe Schroepfer, our head of Store Operations at JJ’s for selecting this one. We were getting down to the last few selections for the calendar and had a couple of holes to fill, particularly with the “Sunday Sippers”, which are always a tasty Scotch Whisky.

I hadn’t tasted the Glenglassaugh Sandend before Joe suggested that we put it in this year’s calendar. It was very impressive, and definitely worth including as one of our Sunday Sippers this year!

What we didn’t know was going happen, happened last week.

Every year, Whisky Advocate Magazine releases their Top 20 whiskies of the year, and it’s released at the beginning of December. We were surprised, but not shocked, to see Glenglassaugh Sandend placed at the top of the list in the #1 spot. See the full list here – Whisky Advocate’s Top 20 Whiskies of 2023.

The Glenglassaugh Distillery is located at the eastern end of Sandend Bay in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and was founded in 1875 by Col. James Moir. In 1892 Glenglassaugh was sold to Highland Distillers. Today, the distillery belongs to the Brown-Forman Group, which is responsible for brands such as Jack Daniel’s and Glendronach, among others. Read more about The Glenglassaugh Distillery  – Glenglassaugh

Enjoy today’s Sunday Sipper!

• Name: Glenglassaugh Sandend Single Malt Scotch
• Country of Origin/Locale: Aberdeenshire, Scotland
• Proof: 101.0
• Glass: Glencairn
• Temperature: Room
• Cocktail Options: No.
• Available: Yes. Retail and in JJ’s Bar – We are currently out, but more coming!

Price: List Price – $92.49 JJ’s VIP Price – $73.99

Tom’s Tasting Notes: Coastal Scotch whiskies are among some of my favorites. For a variety of reasons. They are rarely peated, which appeals to me, and they all have a certain sea-salty maritime quality from extended aging near the coastal waters of Scotland. This one is quite good. Aged in bourbon barrels, sherry and manzanilla barrels offering a very well balanced flavor with sweet honey and apricot. The finish on this whisky is extraordinary and that is where you pick up that coastal influence. Enjoy!