Scotland, Speyside. Distillery operational. Owners: Chivas Brothers Ltd, Pernod Ricard

Glen Grant is a textbook case in the history of the Scotch whisky industry. For decades (and still to this day), the distillery's official label was found on both independent bottlings and the distillery's own bottlings. Some of the most active independent bottlers in the 50s and 60s included Gordon & MacPhail, Campbell, Hope & King (which also worked with Macallan for the bottling and distribution of its malt), Cadenhead, Robert Watson and R Moray Bonding. The result is a multitude of available versions, making it an enthralling dram to collect. As Glen Grant was a blender's malt (Chivas Regal, 100 Pipers, etc.), its owners concentrated on a more classic maturation method characterized by bourbon. Gordon & MacPhail for their part decided to specialize in versions aged exclusively in ex-sherry casks. It was a smart move and their vintages casks became highly prized by whisky enthusiasts and collectors across the world.

Distilled at Glen Grant in 1972 and matured for 34 years in a sherry cask (an Andalusian speciality), this Speyside was bottled from single cask no. 1982. It was bottled in 2006 by Berry Bros & Rudd, one of Britain’’s oldest independent bottlers, founded in 1968. Berry Bros & Rudd bottles and release premium spirits under the brand Berry’’s Own Selection.
Equipped with a beautiful golden colour, this single cask (bottled from just one cask) is an explosion of white and tropical fruits that develops into notes of honey and a hint of resin typical of the distillery. The palate also reveals incredible aromatic complexity, combining gentle notes of smoke, dried fruit, and a hint of tobacco and chocolate. The finish is never-ending and smoky, with a hint of fruit.
This is an outstanding whisky enthusiasts can enjoy in a stand-alone tasting or accompanied by salmon gravlax.