You don’t just become an “Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire” for nothing.
This honor was recently afforded by Queen Elizabeth to Dennis Malcom, the master distiller behind Glen Grant, and it’s fair to say that he’s worked at it. This summer the Speyside distillery released their 12 year expression in the U.S., which will be followed by an 18 year expression in October.
Glent Grant 12 is a light gold in color, and has a surprisingly sweet nose with notes of honey, green apple and caramel. Following those notes it’s just as light on the tongue as you may expect, with an initial taste of baked apple. A short, sustained dash of spiciness activates in the center before rounding out with big notes of vanilla, oak and baking spices.
It may have been a summer release, but the 12 year feels tailor-made for autumn with its light flavors of apple and spice. It makes for a terrific break between the bourbons of summer and the smoke-show scotches of winter, though we wouldn’t mind dipping into this stuff all year long.
Stats:
— 43% ABV
— $46.99
CE Rating: ★★★
