A Coastal Cigar & Whisky Pairing Experiment
On September 19th, 2023, Glenglassaugh Distillery celebrated the relaunch and new bottling of its core range. The distillery was founded in 1875 by Colonel James Moir. It is located in the Highlands of Scotland on the banks of Glassaugh, near Speyside, and it translates to ‘valley of the grey–green place’ in English.
Samples of these three new coastal single-malt expressions, Sandend, 12-Year-Old, and Portsoy were graciously provided to Whiskey Network for our review.
“Shaped by the influences of land and sea, the reimagined portfolio and design encapsulate the ethos of the lush, vibrant coastal spirit. The overall artistic direction of the brand has evolved, taking inspiration from the rippling sand tides at Sandend Bay, with touches of color inspired by sea glass.” — Glenglassaugh Distillery news release.
With these three samples, I decided to challenge myself by pairing each coastal whisky with each third of a very delicious and balanced, medium-bold cigar. Act One by Nóble Cigars has amazing flavor and construction, and I am confident it will be perfect for this unique and challenging pairing experiment. The whiskies were sampled and notes provided before introducing the cigar. Of course, the palate was cleansed with water between each whisky and third of the cigar.
Act One
Brand: Nóble Cigars
Vitola: 6×52 Toro
Filler: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Broadleaf Claro
Binder: Dominican Republic
Body: Medium
Price: $20
The Nóble Act One’s Dominican tobaccos and consistent leathery flavor profile, consisting of honied fruits, spicy cedar, nuts, and sweet cocoa, should marry excellently with these fruity and salty sea breeze single malts from Glenglassaugh.
The challenge here, however, is how the cigar’s consistent medium boldness stands up to each whisky’s varying and higher proofs.
Let’s see what happens, but before we do, press play below to really “hit the coast.”
First Third
Whisky Sample: Glenglassaugh Sandend
Three Cask-Matured: Bourbon, Sherry, and Manzanilla
50.5% ABV, MSRP $70
“Inspired by the crescent beach of Sandend Bay, Sandend is matured in bourbon, sherry, and manzanilla casks, bringing forward flavors of tropical sweetness with a touch of sea salt.” — Glenglassaugh Distillery news release.
Nose: Light sea breeze vanilla and oak tannins over a hint of citrus and coffee bean.
Palate: Very thick viscosity, some chalkiness, and then an explosion of creamy vanilla over light tropical fruit notes.
Finish: Nice rising spice that lingers as creamy vanilla and salty citrus notes fade.
Cigar to the whisky:
Sweet candy-like notes explode over the entire palate with a pleasant smoky and fruity spice note on the finish. The sea breeze saltiness of the whisky and saltiness of the cigar married perfectly.
Whisky to the cigar:
That salty-fruity-sweetness of the whisky becomes infused with delicious cedar and wood notes. Very cool and very delicious!
The medium boldness of the cigar is absolutely standing up to the Sandend whisky, which has the highest ABV of the three Glenglassaugh expressions. So we are in good shape, as I sigh in relief, confident for the next whiskies.
Second Third
Whisky Sample: Glenglassaugh 12 Year
Three Cask-Matured: Bourbon, Sherry, and Red Wine
45% ABV, MSRP $65
“The flagship 12-Year-Old Single Malt embodies Glenglassaugh’s signature coastal style and heralds a turning point for the brand. It was matured in bourbon, sherry, and red wine casks for luscious waves of ripe fruit carried on an ocean breeze.” — Glenglassaugh Distillery news release.
Nose: Bold gingerbread cookies over creamy darker fruit notes. I love this nose!
Palate: Medium viscosity, slight dryness and chalkiness, chocolate fruit bomb on the palate.
Finish: Fruitcake-flavored lingering spice over more lingering cocoa.
Cigar to the whisky:
Smoked and deep red wine notes come to the forefront with delicious sweet caramel on the finish. Very delicious and dessert-like.
Whisky to the cigar:
More fruity red wine notes become infused with creamy vanilla notes from the cigar, with a pleasant nuttiness on the finish.
This pairing is very sweet on the palate, the perfect follow up to a big meal.
The cigar alone is hitting perfectly on all levels!
Final Third
Whisky Sample: Glenglassaugh Portsoy
Three Cask-Matured: Sherry, Bourbon, and Port
49.1% ABV, MSRP $75
“Portsoy, taking its name from the neighboring harbor village, reflects the bold and deeply maritime flavor of this richly peated single malt, matured in sherry, bourbon, and port casks.” — Glenglassaugh Distillery news release.
Nose: Light peat-like creaminess up front, with thick and rich Marsala soy sauced wine fruit notes on the finish.
Palate: Light viscosity, light creamy peat-like notes over fruity melon notes.
Finish: Explosion of lightly-peated fruit spice that lingers on the top of the palate.
Cigar to the whisky:
Extremely sweet candy-like notes hit the palate with a nice salty and light peat-like chalkiness on the finish.
Whisky to the cigar:
Chocolatey fruit and subtle peat smoke notes are enhanced by the char of the cigar. Everything becomes creamier and palate coating, with a bold double dose of leathery smoke on the finish.
This pairing works, but is a bit smokey for my liking.
Favorite Pairing:
And the winning Nóble Act One pairing is definitely with the Sandend expression.
This is due to its perfect marriage of saltiness, ideal level of sweetness, and cool flavor transitions.
Sandend, in my humble opinion, represents Glenglassaugh’s goal of capturing both its land and sea influence on the whisky.
Also, its highest ABV of 50.5%, absolutely had the most complex flavors captured in the whisky, which in turn produced the most unique and complex pairing experience.
Cheers!
