Glen Grant 18 Year

Score: 17/23 Nose: Notes of citrus (tangerine, orange, lemon) alongside lightly toasted bread. Curiously, butter notes are present. A whisper of malty sweetness, but it's quite subtle. A slightly oily sensation. Palate: Smooth, gentle, with a spicy character (primarily black pepper and ginger). A faint oiliness, yet it's remarkably clean and neutral. The mouthfeel is reasonably full. There's a subtle papery quality, hinting at mature complexity, and absolutely no sulfur. Plenty of vanilla emerges, imparting a fresh oak barrel essence. A touch of toastiness with grain notes. Nevertheless, it possesses a clean sweetness, akin to pure water. That faint butter flavor persists. A hint of alcohol, but not overpowering. Reminiscent of manuka honey, or perhaps a mix of white pepper with other elements. The overall balance is excellent, but the complexity is somewhat limited, and the flavors aren't exceptionally engaging. However, there's nothing objectionable. It has moved beyond the stage of decent but muddled flavors into distinct, well-crafted ones, though it lacks truly outstanding qualities or significant depth. Still, there's a definite layer of maturity evident in the papery notes and toasted grain. Finish: Vanilla. Citrus. Occasional hints of spice. A subtle undertone of toasty grain. - Summary - This might be the most inoffensive scotch available. It's not exceptional, but it is certainly good. I simply desire something more intriguing. It falls considerably short of the richness, maturity, and complexity found in a particular 26-year-old Glen Grant independent bottling, which itself isn't incredibly complex, full, or mature. It strongly exhibits that distinct south highlands character. If that's your preference, this is an excellent selection. Personally, I seek something more engaging. I'm considering a score of 14 to 16 for this, settling on 15, but generally, I anticipate greater things from a scotch of this age. It possesses a more refined quality that clearly surpasses another bottling, which had noticeable alcohol presence, so I won't rate it below a 15. Could it truly reach a 16? Possibly. If so, I might need to reconsider the rating for that 26-year-old Glen Grant. Its complexity and balance are noticeably improved compared to another well-known scotch, even though that one is richer. The other bottling is definitely more muddled and less appealing. This also seems more mature than another specific bottling, although that one is more intricate and captivating. They are stylistically quite different, but I'd say their quality is comparable, likely earning them both a 15 or 16. I'm now leaning towards 16 for both. The more I experience this, the more it appeals to me. The individual flavors stand out, and a subtle underlying layer adds significant depth. It offers a more subdued complexity than another 12-year-old bottling, but its range of character is less abundant, and both are well-balanced. I find myself wavering between which I prefer. Surprisingly, I might lean towards this one if forced to choose, assuming a very fresh palate. A specific 26-year-old Glen Grant bottling clearly surpasses this. The comparisons with a 12-year-old Loch Lomond and a Mortlach Six Kingdoms are closer. I believe I might favor this over the Loch Lomond, but it's more neck-and-neck with the Mortlach. I am currently inclined to award both this and the Mortlach a 16. That 26-year-old Glen Grant might warrant an 18. I'm uncertain if it's due to a small amount of air in the bottle, a different palate, or something else, but it has truly grown on me. I did briefly consider a 17, but ultimately decided against it. Actually, in a final comparison with the Mortlach 15 and the Loch Lomond 12, this possesses a pleasing balance of complexity and maturity that I believe merits a 17. I truly didn't anticipate giving it such a high score. I find this surprisingly competitive with another bottling, though not quite as rich. That bottling has a stronger new oak character, giving a more youthful impression, but it's still quite good. Between the two, I find that one to be slightly better, but the difference is not substantial. To me, this is closer in quality to that bottling than the Mortlach Six Kingdoms is.

I've followed Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible for some time, so when he selected Glen Grant 18 as “Scotch Whisky of the Year” for the past three consecutive years, I decided it was time to try it. Furthermore, during this same period, he also awarded this spirit two 2nd place and one 3rd place honors for his top “World Whisky of the Year“ award. Perhaps it's a coincidence, or maybe it's a result of his discerning palate, but over the years, many of Mr. Murray’s top choices have become highly sought after, and I frequently find myself agreeing with his opinions, much like a friend once mentioned. The Glen Grant 18 proves to be a distinguished spirit. Given its time spent in former bourbon casks, it appears surprisingly light and reminiscent of Chardonnay. One might assume these barrels were used three times to impart such a delicate hue of character after such an extended period. Tall, slender stills produce this expression, so a soft, fruity, and fragrant Speyside aroma seems appropriate for the initial pour. Bottled at 43% ABV and displaying viscous legs, the whisky glides over the tongue in a smooth and satisfying manner. Clearly defined, hints of sweet vanilla are combined with malt and baking spices in a way that the overall effect seems to shift between good scotch and good rye, as its delicate components appear and disappear like photons at the quantum level. Unique and captivating, I can understand the fascination this complex offering holds for Murray, as it tests one's perceptions of its various subtle qualities. Each tasting of this whisky feels like a new chapter of discovery, and I would endorse it with a rating of 4.25 stars.

Nose: Toasted walnuts, vanilla, honey, crisp apples, caramel, pears Palate: toasted marshmallow, cotton candy, honey, green and red apples, light pears, light spice, slightly nutty Finish: Medium to long, sweet, oily, oaky Very easy to drink and welcoming for anyone seeking a delicate and beautiful scotch. In my opinion, it stands out among many other 18-year-old scotches if peat isn't your preference. It might be a bit uninteresting if you're looking for complexity and depth. Overall, a very solid and beautiful 18-year-old.

After a considerable wait, I finally opened my bottle. This scotch was recognized as the best scotch in 2018 by a prominent critic, and it did not disappoint. The aroma was of honey and sweetness with floral notes, very pleasing to my senses. The taste was fruity with citrus and honey, and the finish was long and enjoyable. Despite the 43% ABV, the finish was enduring and spicy. Overall, this is one I will savor on those special evenings.

Magnificent. Aroma of hazelnuts and licorice. Light caramel with floral notes on the palate. An extremely long and delightful finish, almost eerie. Well executed.

Smell: Vanilla, dried grapes, figs, sultanas, peaches, cherries, apricots, grapefruits, pears, green apples, cherries, white chocolate, marshmallows Taste: Honey that has been toasted, caramel, walnuts, brown sugar, pears, peaches that have been grilled, almonds, oranges, ginger, white chocolate, raisins Aftertaste: Vanilla, white chocolate, ginger, grapefruit, nutmeg, cinnamon, orange peels, raisins, plums