Brown-Forman unveils Glenglassaugh 49 Years Old
The Glenglassaugh 49 Years Old is available now exclusively in global travel retail
Brown-Forman Global Travel Retail (GTR) has launched the Glenglassaugh 49 Years Old, a limited GTR exclusive bottling, available as of July 2024.
This extraordinary release from the Serpentine Coastal Cask Collection comes from a single Pedro Ximénez Hogshead cask (#3799) distilled on March 20, 1974, and bottled on May 7, 2024. With only 190 bottles emerging from this cask, this release epitomizes rarity and exclusivity. Each bottle and accompanying wooden box are engraved with ‘Travel Retail Exclusive’, further underscoring its prestigious and limited nature.
This rare gem is a testament to the rich heritage and meticulous craftsmanship of the Glenglassaugh Distillery which has been shaped by land and sea since 1875. Utilizing mineral-rich spring water that flows through limestone and sandstone, each batch is imbued with a lush, ripe character, further enhanced by decades of maturation in coastal warehouses. The result is a whisky with a richly majestic and tropical coastal character, truly reflecting its serene origins.
Ffion FitzGerald, Interim Marketing Director GTR Brown-Forman, said, “Glenglassaugh 49 Years Old is not just a whisky; it’s a journey through time. Each sip encapsulates the essence of Glenglassaugh’s unique coastal terroir and our unwavering dedication to quality. We are incredibly proud to offer this exclusive expression to our discerning customers at select locations in travel retail worldwide alongside our core Glenglassaugh portfolio.”
With only 190 bottles in this limited edition, the release epitomizes rarity and exclusivity
The completely rebranded Glenglassaugh core portfolio includes three variants: Glenglassaugh 12Years Old, Glenglassaugh Portsoy, and Glenglassaugh Sandend. The latter was named ‘Whisky of the Year 2023’ by the Whisky Advocate magazine.
The Serpentine Cask Collection
The Serpentine Coastal Cask Collection by Glenglassaugh is a tribute to the brand’s storied past, offering unique vintage whiskies that highlight the distillery's rich heritage. These old and rare whiskies date back to the 1970s, each cask meticulously selected by Master Blender Rachel Barrie.
The collection speaks to the interplay between nature and time, reflecting various facets of Glenglassaugh’s coastal character. Bottled at natural color and non-chill filtered, these whiskies have been shaped by the elements into exquisite brilliance.
All Serpentine Coastal Cask Collection bottles are individually numbered. When Glenglassaugh Distillery reopened in 2008, it unveiled a treasure trove of rare casks, some of which had been aging for over five decades. These casks capture a unique moment in time, offering a rare glimpse into the whisky-making practices of the past.
Rachel Barrie stated, “It is extremely rare to find casks that have been left to mature in coastal locations for such a long period. Our warehouses, perched on cliffs overlooking Sandend Bay, have acted as the custodians of this old and rare liquid for over five decades. These casks capture a moment in time like few other expressions can.”
The Serpentine Collection has been available on allocation globally since the end of January 2024, with a limited selection of casks released throughout the year, including GTR exclusives like Glenglassaugh 49 Years Old.
This exclusive bottling is presented at an ABV of 44.4%, with a recommended selling price of around £8,300 (US$10,700). Each 70cl bottle includes a 5cl sample.
Glenglassaugh 49 Years Old Tasting Notes:
Color: Rouge gold
Aroma: Treacle, cinnamon, and cherry with plum wine and incense carried on a tropical wave of blossom honey
Taste: Waves of plum and cherry compote with silky key lime and lemon truffle coated in dark chocolate and sea salt.
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