Glenglassaugh Torfa, 50% abv.

The Torfa, meaning “turf” or “peat" in Old Norse, is the last offering of a 3 bottle NAS series released to showcase the new Glenglassaugh. Unfortunately I didn't know that and tried them in reverse order. Interestingly, Torfa was only peated to 20 ppm.

Nose: peat, sweet bbq sauce notes, light oranges. The peat subsides quickly.

Palate: peat smoke initially but after a sip or two it takes the backseat, some minor wood elements, a little sweet, melon and apple rinds seem to show up here and there.

Finish: moderate to long, citrusy, old fruit.

Like a light Islay malt, not strong on the smoke and presents some sweetness in the form of citrus and flavors reminiscent of tangy bbq sauces. Nose reminds me of a super mellowed Blacones, while the flavor body is more of a peaty highland/speyside-ish. Truly is what the name is, a peated highland malt. Even with all that, it seems a little unbalanced as the flavors are segragated and don't seem to mesh well (as compared to Balcones where the flavors are so extreme it just overwhelms you into submission). However, the nose is enjoyable and there is alot going on. Very good for entry level into the world of peat, without the heavy smoke. Had this at Slainte mhath bar in Busan, South Korea.

Grade: B-

Whiskyfun.com, Serge Valentin, sgp:536, 80 points
Malt maniacs, Robert Karlsson, 86 points
Malt maniacs, Ho-cheng Yao, 84 points
Thewhiskyphiles, Berry Bradford, 82/100
Whisky advocate, Gavin Smith, 85 points
Lawhiskeysociety, average, B- on 2 reviews

Image courtesy of Eric Yee.

Eric Yee

🇭🇰 🇺🇸(LA, SF) -> 🇯🇵 (京都, 東京) -> 🇰🇷 (서울, 부산)