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Glen Grant 18 Year Old

Stunning Glen Grant

7 1194

@talexanderReview by @talexander

1st Feb 2020

1

Glen Grant 18 Year Old
  • Nose
    23
  • Taste
    24
  • Finish
    23
  • Balance
    24
  • Overall
    94

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Distribution of ratings for this: brand user

I had thought I had already reviewed this one (as well as the 10-year-old) but I double checked and I couldn't find them anywhere on Connosr. So either Pam and I are nuts (she thought she remembered that too) or our reviews are disappearing! I'm sure it's the first one.

Glen Grant was the first distillery in Rothes, established in 1840 by James and John Grant. In 1872, James' son (also James, but known as "The Major") took over and was apparently quite the character (as legend has it but who knows). Seagrams bought it in 1977, then Pernod Ricard in 2001, then Campari in 2006 (which makes sense as Glen Grant is huge in Italy).

The colour is a pale yellow (surprisingly light for an 18-year-old). Super-fruity on the nose with banana, papaya, strawberries-and-cream with a light maltiness running through. Lemon curd, vanilla bean and macadamia nut round things out. Subtle oak as well, with light spice. A drop of water adds a hint of wood smoke. Beautifully done, very elegant.

On the palate we get more papaya, more spice and more citrus. Vanilla forms the backbone with light milk chocolate and flaky croissant. Water adds an herbal element with arugula, mint and sage. Mouth-watering, delicious with just the right balance between tropical fruit, citrus and spice.

The long finish is mouth-drying with lemon pepper, walnut skins and toasted oak. Really stunning single malt in the purest Speyside style. Jim Murray is a huge fan, awarding it Single Malt of the Year (Multiple Casks) and for once I kind of agree with him.

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11 comments

@OdysseusUnbound
OdysseusUnbound commented

Sounds delightful, like it’s a pure ex-bourbon maturation, the type of malt toward which I tend to gravitate. Do you have any info on the casks used?

4 years ago 0

@talexander
talexander commented

@OdysseusUnbound No specific info but the profile is absolutely bourbon casks - not likely first fill given the delicacy.

4 years ago 1Who liked this?

@65glenfarclas
65glenfarclas commented

@talexander Have you had the bottle for a while or did you buy it recently from LCBO?

4 years ago 0

@talexander
talexander commented

I've had it for a while (well, I bought two so I still have an unopened one).

4 years ago 0

@BlueNote
BlueNote commented

I’d love to try it, but it’s well over $200. But based on all the positive reviews, I might just have to bite the bullet.

4 years ago 0

@talexander
talexander commented

@BlueNote Just make the bottle last. Imagine you keep the bottle for three years, and amortize the cost over the number of days in three years.... then it doesn't look like it costs you that much! Hey it's cheaper than Starbucks!

4 years ago 1Who liked this?

@Nozinan
Nozinan commented

@talexander But then add up all the per day costs of all the bottles you buy in 3 years...

4 years ago 0

@talexander
talexander commented

@Nozinan You're not helping!

4 years ago 1Who liked this?

@Nozinan
Nozinan commented

@talexander I'm able to amortize my bottles over 5-7 years. I currently have 18 bottles opened in 2015 or earlier.

4 years ago 0

@talexander
talexander commented

@Nozinan You're lucky you only have one whisky drinker in the house...

4 years ago 1Who liked this?

@Nozinan
Nozinan commented

@talexander quite e opposite. If I had someone to help me get through my bottles I would be able to open new bottles more often and enjoy more variety.

4 years ago 1Who liked this?