Grant's Ale Cask Finish

I must admit I'm quite pleased with this whisky. Reading about it, the concept of finishing in an ale or beer cask sounded intriguing. I didn't want to spend much to try it, and I doubted any local bar would have it available. At $20.00, it seemed like a good deal, and since Grant also owns Glenfiddich and offers an IPA finish, how could I go wrong? A sweet aroma, green apple and pears, young, with no hint of hops or anything similar. You can detect the grain, but it almost seems effervescent? My mind might be playing tricks regarding the ale, but I can sense it. Sweet with a very, very subtle hint of smoke at the very end. Now for the finish. This is where the ale made its presence known, for me. The only way to describe it is that it reminded me of pouring a beer and getting a large foamy head, then inhaling all the foam. There's that distinct "foam" taste. That's it. I wondered how it would taste with ice. It lost most of the fruit, but I still get that fizz, a bit more ale in the background, and that finish remains. I might have to purchase another one after this is gone.

Searching for bargain scotch, I grabbed this bottle. Some respectable online opinions exist. Poured neat, it showed thin legs and a faint aroma. It offered hints of vanilla but little malt, quite unmemorable. The taste brought grain spirits with a faint malt character. The finish was brief and uneventful; it's watery and dull. I ought to have known better for a cheap blend. I had hoped the ale cask would improve it (I enjoy beer). It failed to do so. I resorted to using it in mixed drinks (scotch & root beer) to finish the bottle. It's quite acceptable for mixing, but I won't buy it again as I prefer my scotch straight. A definite miss, though I believe it's no longer sold... 60/100

Over the weekend, I met up with some friends who enjoy drinks, and one of them offered this inexpensive Scotch to me, and it was not enjoyable. Poured neat, it was sharp and watery, and with ice, the flavors softened but it was still not tasty. He mentioned he got it on sale for $13, so for that price, it's not bad, but I struggle to find a use for this spirit. I've read that Grant has some decent blends, but this isn't one of them.

Fruity, sweet, a bit malty... Lots of apple and pears... In the mouth, a bit too much alcohol but nice sweetness... I was expecting a beer aftertaste, didn't get it. For its price... A good whisky. Follow me on insta:

Good handling of the classic blend. This barrel adds vanilla aroma and smoothness in the mouth that improves the alcoholic sensation of the classic.

Sweet, fruity with bread-like notes. Some beer/hoppy notes on the finish. Very mellow. Nice.