The whisky fabric is a fantastic place. It is full of vibrant people and amazing conversations. Friendships start over a glass of whisky and last for many years. It creates friendships that transcend whisky. The opportunity to all meetup happens only a few times a year
One of the most significant events of the year is the annual Whisky and Spirits Live Festival in Sandton at the beginning of November, and it is an event everyone looks forward to. It is a chance for friends from all over South Africa to catch up over a glass (or 2) of whisky.
It is a chance for my friend Bernard to fly up and come and present Sandton with some great whisky. A few years ago, Bernard introduced me to the Glen Grant Major’s Reserve whisky. And at the 2016 Whisky Live, he introduced me to the Glen Grant 12 year old single malt Scotch whisky. I spent most of my evening wandering past his stand and used up most of my tokens, tasting the 12 year old again and again.
Unfortunately getting my hands on a bottle was a bit of a battle, but eventually stock arrived at my local Norman Goodfellows, and I could expand my collection with this Speyside dram. From the town of Rothes in Speyside, Glen Grant Distillery has a long history stretching back to 1840.
The Glen Grant 12 year old whisky was launched in 2016 together with an 18 year old. This release joins the Major’s Reserve and the Glen Grant 10 yo already part of the stable. Gruppo Campari owns Glen Grant together with Wild Turkey bourbon and Forty Creek whiskey.
REGION: Speyside
ABV: 43%
COLOUR: Bright sunny gold
NOSE: Summer fruits and freshly baked sugar cookies. Green apples, malt with hints of cinnamon, vanilla. In the background, there is something nutty; almond or hazelnut.
PALATE: Fruit salad with apples, pears and honey dusted with cinnamon and vanilla. Malt cookies with hints of caramel, ginger and apricots. Smooth and easy drinking. Water opens up more of the spices and makes the finish even longer.
FINISH: Perfectly balanced fruits and spice.
RATING: EXCELLENT
Just a glass full of deliciousness. It is the perfect dram for someone who has tried whisky a few times and wants to explore more single malts. It is soft and luxurious. The 12 year old is a fantastic dram that displays the best characteristics of Glen Grant and Speyside.
The fruity notes with a delicate hint of spice are so traditional to the well known Scottish region. Best of all, it is now widely available in South Africa and retail for around R500. Real value for money.
There is also a Glen Grant 12 yo non-chill-filtered whisky version available in Travel retail and it is incredible. The difference between these two releases is remarkable.
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