Origin: Speyside (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 56.9%ABV
Ageing cask: Ex-Sherry refill
Chillfiltered: No
Additional colouring: No
Property: Speymalt Whisky Distributors Ltd.
Average price: € 150.00
Official Website: www.gordonandmacphail.com
Gordon & Macphail’s Connoiseurs Choice with a Glen Grant released in mid-2024, 269 cask strength bottles from an hogshead ex-sherry, not first fill, made for the German importer Kirsch Import.
Glen Grant is always a pleasure to drink when you deviate even a little from the basic “bar” version, let’s see if this cask confirms that.
Tasting Notes
Initially vinous on the nose, it soon dilutes to raisins, currants, pink grapefruit, musty tangerine and a hint of nutmeg. Honey and nuts, bordering on nougat, in the second row along with a background of vanilla, caramel and baked apple. Sourdough, resin and a distinct mineral streak down the length. Restless.
In the mouth, the sherry influence is more centered, threading raspberry, currant, raisin, wild strawberry and cocoa, supported by spices (ginger, black pepper, nutmeg, cardamom), nuts (almonds, toasted hazelnuts), candied orange peel and cooked fruit (apple, plum). The vegetal side also appear at the call, between tobacco and tea leaves, and the pastry side, of (red) fruit tart and crème brûlée, with brushstrokes of honey and maraschino cherries. Bitterness tip in length, with some exuberant tannins. Adding water brings out the spices and lowers the tannins.
Quite long finish with red fruits, spices, cocoa, vegetable and cooked fruit notes.
A whisky that kicks and screeches, with an adolescent brashness you’d expect from a younger age. Imperfect and fun, always on the edge of excess without ever crossing it.
Vote: 85/100