Grants 12 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky (700ml)

The influences of Balvenie and Glenfiddich (also produced by William Grant and Sons) are the basis for Grant's blended whiskies. The company has recently expanded its range with three new releases offering exceptional value for money and unusual depth of flavour by blended whisky standards. In fact, in a blind line up you'd be forgiven for thinking these were single malts.

Like most distilleries with history, Grant's have accrued some colourful stories. Soon after William Grant began distilling in 1887 his sole distributor collapsed, and Grant was left with no outlet for continuing sales. He urgently needed to invent and market his own brand. In desperation, he passed the challenge onto his son-in-law, who, so the story goes, made over five hundred calls to various firms around the country. He managed to sell one dozen bottles! Business gradually improved, and the original Grants we know today was suitably marketed under the "Steadfast" label. The product enhanced its image to cater for numerous international markets, including the adoption of its striking triangular bottle. Its been rumoured that the whisky had favour amongst several heavy drinking Hollywood actors, purely on account of the bottle shape. If they dropped it on stage during rehearsals, it was guaranteed not to roll too far!

This unusual blend from Grant's has been finished in first-fill American whiskey casks for six months following it’s initial 12 years of maturation. This imparts an extra flavour layer, resulting in an unexpectedly full-bodied blend.

Tasting note: Presents a brilliant pale gold in the glass. The aroma profile carries some sherry influence leaning towards dried fruits in the aroma spectrum. Opening scent is toasted marshmallow / bubble-gum like, followed by dried fruits, sweet malt and a touch of vanilla as the fruits withdraw with several minutes of breathing. Any grains are difficult to identify here and this really comes across as a malt drinker's blend. The palate reflects the nose, offering a generous, semi sweet, malty burst at mid palate followed by roasted nuts, toasty grains and a mildly tannic finish. The wood influence slightly detracts the freshness. Delicate spice, toasty grain and vanilla aftertaste. A little one dimensional but dangerously drinkable whisky with a succulent texture that’s a sheer pleasure. 40% Alc./Vol.

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