William Grant & Sons has something new: Grant’s Ale Cask Finish, a whisky that, according to the brand, is the first blended scotch to be finished in ale casks. Led by Master Blender Brian Kinsman, Grant’s worked with a small Scottish brewery to season barrels with beer, after which Grant’s aged their whisky in those barrels for four months. The beer character adds a creamy, malty and honeyed taste to the whisky.
This innovation was inspired in part because people enjoy drinking beer with whisky. So rather than simply pairing a pint with a dram, Grant’s is cutting out the middleman entirely.
Grant’s Ale Cask Finish is 40% ABV and goes for a very reasonable $19.99. If you score a bottle for yourself, here’s what you can expect:
Nose: Clean and fresh with creamy malts. Subtle elderflower and heather.
Palate: Maple syrup, red apples and honey. Hints of oak in the background.
Finish: Long with fruit notes and hints of citrus.
