Glenglassaugh Distillery

Glenglassaugh Distillery is located near Portsoy on the northeast coast of Scotland, where it overlooks the North Sea. After periods of closure and revival, it has re-emerged as a modern coastal distillery producing characterful Highland whisky.

Midway along the coastal road between Sandend and Portsoy stands Glenglassaugh Distillery. Past fields and forests that follow the rolling hills in one direction and fall away to the sea in the other, both villages were born of a different time – where living off the land and sea were the way of life. Today they’re a romantic reminder of why people fall in love with this place.

About Glenglassaugh Distillery

Glenglassaugh produces whisky using carefully selected Scottish barley and traditional distilling methods, with every stage of production overseen by a skilled team. The spirit is matured slowly in coastal warehouses, where carefully chosen casks help develop the distillery’s distinctive maritime character.

Founded in 1875 by Colonel James Moir, Glenglassaugh quickly gained a reputation for quality whisky before being acquired by Highland Distillers in 1892. Following a major rebuild in 1960, the distillery continued production until it was mothballed in 1986.

After more than 20 years of silence, Glenglassaugh restarted production in 2008 and was later acquired by the BenRiach Distillery Company in 2013, beginning a new chapter in the revival of this historic coastal distillery.

Glenglassaugh Distillery Tours & Experiences

A select number of private and exclusive pre-booked tours are available at Glenglassaugh Distillery, offering visitors the opportunity to discover how the distillery harnesses the natural elements to create its coastal whisky. Guests can explore the surrounding landscape, from the rolling farmland of Portsoy to the North Sea views of Sandend, which play an important role in shaping Glenglassaugh Single Malt.

The experience includes a walk through the footprint of the original distillery founded by James Moir, a view of the distillery’s polished copper stills, and an opportunity to see the casks maturing quietly in the traditional dunnage warehouses.

Plan Your Visit to Glenglassaugh Distillery

Address:

Glenglassaugh Distillery, Portsoy, Aberdeenshire AB45 2SQ

Tour:

This distillery is included as part of our East Speyside Tour.

Opening Hours:

Opening times vary

Facilities:

Visitor area and tasting room
Parking available
Coastal viewpoints nearby

Podcast

In the December 2024 episode of the Distillery Tours podcast we spoke to Stewart Buchanan, Global Brand Ambassador for Benriach, Glendronach and Glenglassaugh distilleries.

Stewart's undeniable enthusiasm for all things whisky shines through as we learn more about the enduring histories of both Benriach and Glendronach. But it is Glenlassaugh that we pay particular attention to, the small but perfectly formed distillery that is so heavily influenced by both land and sea and provides visitors with, in Stewart’s words: a ‘window to the past’ of whisky making.

Frequently Asked Questions

What experiences are available at Glenglassaugh Distillery?

Glenglassaugh Distillery offers a selection of private and exclusive whisky experiences by appointment. Visitors can explore the coastal distillery, walk through traditional production areas and dunnage warehouses, and enjoy guided tastings of Glenglassaugh single malt whisky overlooking Sandend Bay.

How long does a Glenglassaugh Distillery tour take?

Most Glenglassaugh Distillery experiences last between 1 and 2 hours depending on the format and level of personalisation included within the private visit.

Is whisky tasting included at Glenglassaugh Distillery?

Yes, whisky tasting is included as part of Glenglassaugh Distillery experiences. Guests can enjoy guided tastings of coastal-inspired Glenglassaugh single malts, with bespoke tastings available depending on the experience booked.

Do I need to book Glenglassaugh Distillery tours in advance?

Yes, advance booking is essential for Glenglassaugh Distillery experiences. Visits are available strictly by private appointment and walk-in visitors are not currently accommodated.

What are the opening hours of Glenglassaugh Distillery Visitor Centre?

Glenglassaugh Distillery experiences operate primarily by appointment. Public visitor access is limited, with curated tours generally arranged between 10am and 4:30pm depending on availability.

Is Glenglassaugh Distillery family friendly?

Glenglassaugh Distillery welcomes visitors to its visitor experience areas, though whisky tastings and private experiences are designed primarily for adult guests, with age restrictions applying to alcohol consumption.

Is Glenglassaugh Distillery accessible?

Glenglassaugh Distillery offers accessibility in key visitor areas, although some warehouse and production spaces may include uneven flooring or steps due to the historic nature of the distillery site. Visitors with specific accessibility requirements are encouraged to contact the distillery in advance.

Is parking available at Glenglassaugh Distillery?

Yes, parking is available for visitors attending pre-booked experiences at Glenglassaugh Distillery, including on-site visitor parking close to the distillery buildings.

Does Glenglassaugh Distillery have a café or shop?

Glenglassaugh Distillery offers whisky purchases and selected merchandise as part of the visitor experience. However, there is no full public café currently operating on site.

Where is Glenglassaugh Distillery located?

Glenglassaugh Distillery is located near Portsoy in Aberdeenshire on Scotland’s north-east coast, overlooking Sandend Bay and the North Sea.