Distilled & Bottled by Glen Grant
| Don't like ads? | No ads |
Region: Speyside
Type: Single Malt
ABV: 50%
Age: 15 yrs
Color: gold
Launched in 2018, this Glen Grant offering is bottled at “Batch Strength” (50% ABV) and aged in 100% first-fill bourbon casks without chill filtration. Unfortunately, I can’t find where Glen Grant has confirmed that this offering has no added caramel coloring.
Caramel coloring is technically allowed to be used by Scotch producers, but most enthusiasts shun its practice in favor of more natural colors.
While this bottle of Glen Grant 15 was initially launched as a US exclusive, it can now be found in Europe.
Tasting Notes
Nose: There is a heavy bourbon influence with fresh-picked apples, honey sweetness, and vanilla. Searching further reveals fresh cut flowers and barley sugars for a pleasantly sweet experience.
Palate: The distillate carries a medium weight on the tongue compared to other Scotches around this age and proof. Sweetness continues with honey, caramel candy and lemon.
Finish: The finish has great length with barrel sugars, oak spice and even white chocolate. Candle wax and apples return after the sip is complete along with a dash of cinnamon.
Rating: 7/10
Conclusion: This is a lovely whisky with straight forward and balanced flavors that create a pleasant sipping experience. The use of first-fill ex-bourbon barrels give loads of interesting sweet notes. This is an approachable whisky and a good candidate for “New-to-Scotch” drinkers who want something that’s a step up from entry level malts.
Overall I think that this whisky has a lot of great things going for it with its high age statement, great proof and overall value.