The Girvan Patent Still 25 Year Old Single Grain Scotch Whisky (700ml)

William Grant & Sons have released a series of age statement grains, the inaugurual release being this 25 Year Old, scheduled as a UK exclusive. The original Girvan Patent Still was built by William Grant's great-grandson, Charles Gordon, in 1963. Comes handsomely presented in a tall decorated box with metal badges and side panels. 42% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... William Grant is making pioneering efforts to develop Girvan as a single grain whisky brand, with more to come. The aromas beckon with masses of buttery vanilla notes, fresh apple, cinnamon stick bundles, dark peel, and chocolate pralines. The creamy, unctuous texture packs in white chocolate, citrus, lime, chewy caramels, and pineapple, with soft American oak characteristics. Long finish of vanilla, ground cinnamon, and mint. One of the tastiest grains on the market: expensive, but still, it’s patently very good. 
88 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick 2014

...A pretty accurate representation of the character these stills were sometimes quietly known for at the time, complete with trademark sulphury notes - presumably from the still - not cask, as I do pick up some balancing American white oak character. 84.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2020

...A controversial new bottling because of many factors, first its very high price (£250 for some middle-aged grain, imagine) and second the fact that it’s been reduced down to 42%, while grains are usually filled in wood at around 70% or more if I’m not mistaken. Not to mention the absence of vintage, but I’m not sure vintages make much sense with grain whisky. Colour: straw. Nose: starts with some solvent and grass, remarkably un-fruity and un-marshmallowy for grain whisky. Rather some fresh oak and more and more cut grass, then cinnamon, lager beer and only faint touches of vanilla. How dry and even austere! Mouth: feels more than 42% vol. Some oak, some thick banana juice, a very creamy mouth feel indeed, some orange liqueur and some kind of cinnamon cake. Always a grassiness in the background. Finish: of medium length, on more or les the same aromas. A little banana liqueur, some white chocolate, a rather oaky aftertaste. Comments: not quite my cup of malt – obviously. Not my preferred style of whisky anyway, so please take my comments with a grain of salt.  76 points - whiskyfun.com

Gold - Lowland up to 25 years old - 2014, The Scotch Whisky Masters (The Spirits Business)