Glen Grant 12 Year Old

Welcome, fellow Whisky Centurions, to another stop on my adventure through whiskies. Today, we're delving into the Glen Grant 12, a single malt firmly entrenched in the highly competitive realm of 12 year old Scottish whiskies. This category, flooded with options, usually falls within the £30-£50 price range, although this range is creeping up faster than I’d like at the moment. The Glen Grant 12 positions itself toward the upper end at around £44. Let's scrutinize whether this expression can carve a distinctive niche amid the saturation within this age group.

Bottle

One of the most underwhelming moments on my whisky adventure is when you eagerly open a new box and slowly draw out the bottle in anticipation only to find a bottle like the Glen Grant 12. Its conventional shape, reminiscent more of a wine bottle than a captivating whisky bottle, leaves much to be desired and the lacklustre brown label does little to elevate anticipation. While some will argue that the bottle's aesthetics shouldn't overshadow the whisky itself, I find myself yearning for a bottle that beckons to me from the shelf — an allure that, regrettably, this particular design fails to evoke.

Colour

Residing comfortably in the middle of our colour chart, the Glen Grant 12 displays a deep copper hue. Although I suspect it undergoes chill filtration for clarity and the addition of colour to achieve its desired tint (confirmation has proven elusive, thanks to Glen Grant's reticence on such details), these nuances remain secondary to the primary focus—the whisky within.

Nose - A pleasantly inviting aroma unfolds as the Glen Grant 12 is introduced. Notes of apples and pears dominate, with a subtle hint of citrus. An undeniable sweetness graces the olfactory senses, yet it falls short of the bold aromatic intensity that distinguishes exceptional single malts.

Palate - With the first sip, the Glen Grant 12 reveals an array of light and approachable flavours. Orchard fruits take centre stage once more, accentuated with notes of pear and a touch of honey. The palate is undeniably smooth and while it may lack the depth that seasoned whisky enthusiasts seek, the Glen Grant 12 finds its footing as an ideal example of a classic Scotch whisky.

Finish - The finale of the Glen Grant 12 can be succinctly described as unremarkable. It neither lingers nor transforms into a captivating aftertaste. Instead, it gracefully concludes, leaving a subtle reminder that the journey was pleasant but lacking the lasting impact associated with exceptional whiskies.

Overall

Glen Grant, a heavyweight in the Scottish whisky industry, showcases caution in their core range, perhaps overshadowed by their more robust efforts in the 'Exclusive' and 'Rare & Vintage' expressions. While the whisky itself is commendable, falling into the category of pretty good (if not the best), there's a sense of missed opportunity. The Glen Grant 12 doesn't quite fit the bill for an entry-level 12 year old expression due to its price, nor does it boast the intrigue that justifies adding it to an expanding collection. The disappointment lingers, leaving one to ponder the potential left untapped in this otherwise capable dram.

Available from Master of Malt for around £44, or check price and availability at Amazon