DRINK & STAY : Glenglassaugh Whisky Tasting at the Portsoy Boat Festival
The Portsoy Boat Festival, held annually in the scenic coastal town of Portsoy, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is a captivating event that brings to life the rich maritime heritage of the region. Nestled against the backdrop of breathtaking sea views, this festival serves as a vibrant celebration of all things nautical, immersing visitors in a world of awe-inspiring boat races, captivating displays, and a myriad of engaging activities that appeal to individuals of all ages.
One of the highlights for many who come to the Portsoy Boat Festival is the mesmerizing boat races that take place on the shimmering waters but for me it was the invitation to board the Reaper, a Fifie Sailing Herring Drifter, to join in a whisky tasting and food pairing with Glenglassaugh Whisky where they introduced their new portfolio and artistic direction in the heart of Portsoy’s 17th century harbour.
Plus Glenglassaugh Whisky were the headline maritime sponsor at this year's ACE Winches Scottish Traditional Boat Festival in Portsoy!
GLENGLASSAUGH WHISKY TASTING AT THE PORTSOY BOAT FESTIVAL
But first I was headed to the picturesque seaside town of Cullen, and the Seafield Arms hotel which is a charming haven for both locals and tourists alike. With its traditional stone exterior, this historic hotel exudes timeless grandeur. As you step inside, you are greeted with warm Scottish hospitality and a cosy ambiance that immediately puts you at ease.
The Seafield Arms boasts spacious and elegantly furnished rooms, each offering a unique blend of comfort and style. Most definitely choose to stay here if the Portsoy Boat Festival is your destination. Cullen is only 10 minutes drive from Portsoy and there is a bus service too!
Chauffeur driven to Portsoy harbour, we headed down the gangplank onto the deck of the glorious Reaper, and greeted with a Glenglassaugh whisky cocktail to hold in one hand and delectable canapes for the other! The Kilted Chef would be creating some exquisite culinary masterpieces to accompany our Glenglassaugh drams over the course of the evening.
Like the sea breeze that changes direction, so Glenglassaugh has changed their look; introducing reimagined glassware that now better represents them as a Highland coastal spirit.
We tried 3 whiskies from their portfolio
Glenglassaugh 12 yo (£50) - matured in bourbon, sherry and red wine casks. On the nose there’s ripe apricot and fid with toasted vanilla and tropical flora. Taste wise its candied pistachio, dates and sweet figs with morello cherry and whipped cream.
Sandend (£55) - matured in bourbon, sherry and manzanilla casks. On the nose it vanilla ice-cream, tropical fruit, chocolate and sea salt. On the the palate its salted caramel with pineapple, cherry and grapefruit.
Portsoy (£60) - matured in sherry, bourbon and port casks. On the nose it tropical fruits, liquorice and sea kelp whilst on the palate its dark chocolate, charred mango, treacle and sea salt.
Portsoy was my favourite of the night, I especially picked up on the liquorice which I love.
Just as the rain stopped, and the clouds turned from thunderous to peaceful, we tucked into some incredible food - Thai-inspired Cullen skink with a mango and ginger buttery, whisky marinated beef cheek, duck liver parfait, halibut and langoustine, a dark chocolate ganache and Glenglassaugh Sandend whisky ice-cream from Portsoy IceCream.
The whisky and food pairing drew to a close but the fun wasn’t over yet. Guests headed over to the far end of the harbour to watch Skerryvore in concert and to drink more whisky of course!
A full Scottish breakfast at the Seafield Arms was most welcome the following morning before heading out to explore some sights of Cullen and take in some more of the Portsoy Boat Festival that was in full swing with every road and available field in and around Portsoy rammed with visitors. This is one popular festival!
Many thanks to Glenglassaugh for a wonderful experience and a whisky tasting that I won’t forget!