Glenglassaugh Sandend, created by Master Blender Rachel Barrie and released in June this year, has taken the top spot in Whisky Advocate’s Top 20 Whiskies of the Year with a ‘nearly unanimous vote’.

The expression takes inspiration from the crescent beach of Sandend Bay, which is overlooked by the distillery and is matured in bourbon, sherry, and manzanilla casks, bringing luscious waves of tropical sweetness with a touch of sea salt.

The whisky captures the coastal elements of Glenglassaugh’s signature style and is shaped by the influences of the surrounding land and sea, the rolling farmland of Portsoy, and the North Sea views of Sandend that play an intrinsic part in creating Glenglassaugh Single Malt.

For over two decades, Glenglassaugh Distillery lay silent, a hidden gem on Scotland’s rugged northeast coastline, until it was re-awakened in 2008. Earlier this year, Master Blender Rachel Barrie introduced a new portfolio and reimagined design direction inspired by the distillery’s stunning natural surroundings.

Rachel Barrie, Master Blender at Glenglassaugh Distillery, said, “Glenglassaugh’s spirit is inspired by the truly unique coastal location. A sip of Sandend awakens the senses, transporting you to the northeast coast, where our warehouses stand against the elements. On the nose, soft, sweet vanilla is drenched in tropical fruit, with chocolate and a touch of sea salt, whilst waves of salted caramel with a burst of pineapple, cherry and grapefruit awaken the palette.

“Receiving this accolade and joining such an illustrious list of previous winning expressions, and indeed runners up, cements our place at the table amongst industry giants. Next year, we will be bottling a number of historic releases dating back to the 60s and 70s, which is incredibly exciting.”

With over 30 years of service to the whisky industry, Master Blender Rachel Barrie has been at the helm of Brown-Forman’s Single Malts portfolio, which has enjoyed a string of successes over the past six years.

Alongside Sandend, Glendronach Cask Strength Batch 12 was awarded the number 10 spot in this year’s lineup, whilst prior to this, Glendronach Portwood Single Malt (2021) and Benriach The Smoky 12 (2020) were included in Whisky Advocate’s ‘most exciting whiskies of the year’ round-up.

To determine the annual Top 20, Whisky Advocate reviewers sampled hundreds of “outstanding” whisk(e)ys looking at quality, value and availability. The Top 20 whiskies represent a curated collection that ‘deserve notice’.

Tasting notes:

Sandend: Inspired by the crescent beach of Sandend Bay, Glenglassaugh Sandend is matured in bourbon, sherry and manzanilla casks for luscious waves of flavour.

  • Colour: Summer gold
  • Nose: Soft buttery vanilla ice cream drenched in tropical fruit, with chocolate and a touch
    of sea salt.
  • Taste: Waves of salted caramel with an effervescent burst of pineapple, cherry and grapefruit, enlivened by the ocean shore.

The RRP for a bottle of Glenglassaugh Sandend (ABV 50.5%) is £55; please note that prices in global markets can vary.

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