James Moir had an expanding grocery business in the town of Portsoy and was wanting to establish a distillery that would produce a whisky of the highest quality to satisfy the growing demand from his customers.

However, in 1986, when the whole whisky industry was reviewing operations the economics of running this relatively small and remote distillery, the owners decided that they should stop production.

Under new ownership, it released some of the pre-1986 stock as exclusive Highland single malt scotch whiskies with outstanding success.

"The Spirit Drink that blushes to speak its name" is also produced in the same way but is allowed to age for 6 months in casks that have previously held red wine.

The result is a spirit with a rich rose hue and a flavour of soft fruits and spices and is ideal as a cocktail base or for making long drinks.

[5] Glenglassaugh single malts are matured in the distillery's coastal warehouses, overlooking the surf of Sandend Bay.