Glenglassaugh Portsoy Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Another side of Glenglassaugh is on offer in a rich and smoky NAS expression: Portsoy is named after an ancient fishing village not far from the distillery. Making use of relatively rare peated reserves and bottled at higher-than-normal strength, it is Highland made, but sports all the requisite notes of an island profile including aromas of iodine and menthol mixed up with lanolin and mesquite smoke. This is the most characterful expression in the new line up, and peat has a lot to do with that. Oily phenols amplify the mouthfeel nicely, countering the fruitiness of the malt before a crack of pepper adds spice and the fruit rebounds. Delicious uncut, you get the sense Portsoy has been created to capture a broader audience than just the peated market, and it should do just that. Bourbon, sherry and port wine cask matured. 49.1% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... The colour is coppery amber and the nose is packed with aromas of caramel, dried fruits and soft gentle sweet peat smoke. It feels rich and honeyed with warming spices coming through the smoke, along with a hint of cocoa powder and orange oil. The balance between peat and sweetness is very enticing. On the palate this whisky continues on the rich and honeyed theme. There are plenty of autumnal ripe orchard fruits on show - think apple and pear especially - plus a selection of stone fruits including apricot and plum. The sweet and gentle peat smoke wraps around everything and has a warming edge with a pinch of spice - this is more earthy home fire than bonfire. Hint of chocolate and gingerbread further add to the depth and complexity. The finish is long, well rounded and balanced although a touch ashy towards the end. This feels like an autumnal whisky and a big hug in a glass.  - whiskyforeveryone.blogspot.com