Glen Grant Arboralis

Revisiting this bottling My initial thoughts still hold, but comparing it directly to Glen Grant 10 year old yesterday revealed something. This one is actually the more harmonious of the two single malts, though it trades complexity for that harmony. The 10 year old has an oilier, maltier character with a richer texture and mouthfeel. However, this expression (a mix of ages and cask finishes) presents a wider array of scents and tastes, leaning more towards fruit. Ultimately, they are of equal quality, so I'm boosting my initial score for this one to match the 10 year old's score. Sampled at the distillery, May 2, 2024 "Above Average": 80/100 (3 stars) ———————————————————- Nose: Hints of peach, apricot, nectarine, pear, apple, and lemon. A scent profile common among fruity, no-age-statement Speyside whiskies in this price range. A subtle waft of honeysuckle appears as it sits and opens in the glass, but it's a subdued experience. Diluting mutes the definition but broadens and sweetens the aroma, introducing a soapy quality, so it's best left undiluted. Palate: Grassy, fruity, and cereal notes with a tiny bit of spice. The initial impression quickly yields to a development dominated by light, malty cereal. It evokes biscuits and thin oatmeal with a touch of honey. The consistency is somewhat watery. Adding water spoils the palate entirely, bringing out a cardboard taste and making the whole experience dull. Finish: Brief. Cereal and a hint of bitterness linger. Water improves the finish slightly by adding sweetness that counteracts the bitter aftertaste. The aroma is reminiscent of both Glen Grant 10 year old and The Major's Reserve, with some similarities to Glenfiddich 12, but it possesses less intensity and a less pronounced cereal/malt character. It's more fruit-forward and lacks the nutty richness typically found in Glen Grant spirits. It's not a bad aroma, but it's very reserved—somewhat one-dimensional and overly simple, yet entirely unobjectionable. The taste is basic and frankly too subdued. I wouldn't call it nuanced, just faint and seemingly over-diluted, though without any specific flaws to point out. It is what it is: a straightforward, basic no-age-statement malt that just barely passes muster neat and is best suited as a mixer with soda or a soft drink. Positioned in price between Glen Grant The Majors Reserve and the 10 year old, its rating reflects that. "Average": 78/100 (2.75 stars)

I enjoy Glen Grant! This one is risky for daily consumption. I sense many fruits, pear, banana, sweet apples, sherry, oranges, citrus, toffee, and vanilla. It's smooth and sweet. Not complicated, but for the price, I wish this were the worst I'd ever had, but not at all. It's, let's say, a budget spirit but a good one. Delicious

Nose: Artificial vanilla scent, smell of fishy water Taste: Tastes like watered-down whiskey Finish: Spicy, salty taste At first, I thought it wasn't bad But the more I drink it, the more it tastes like watered-down whiskey (very bland) Seems like it's friends with '밍밍톤' (a Korean term for blandness/mildness) It's drinkable once as a daily sipper (if on discount for around 45,000 won) But I don't think I'll buy it again.

The subtle dried fruit flavor truly impressed me. It's a highly recommended and enjoyable drink, especially considering its value for the money, even with its youth.

Quite light. The flavor profile is very straightforward, featuring vanilla, honey, apple, and pear. It's very easy to drink and not at all harsh, unlike many spirits at this price point. Excellent value.

Straightforward spirit lacking distinctiveness. The finish is warming.