Glen Grant 12 year | Whisky Lady

Sometimes we pass over the standards simply because we are distracted by shiny new toys. At London’s 2025 Whisky Show, as people thronged around all the rare and old, the distinct and limited drams, the weird and wacky experiments… we spotted just beyond the Glen Grant stand.

I remember how terrific it was to have a consistent Glen Grant calibration dram before diving into special tasting sessions. And decided to slow down, take a beat with an old friend, giving it the attention it deserves with a proper flight… beginning with their current core range before moving on to a new limited release series… and I’m so glad we did!

Glen Grant 12 year 43% (2025 Whisky Show – GBP 44.5)
Glen Grant 18 year 43% (2025 Whisky Show – GBP 125)
Glen Grant 15 year Batch Strength 1st Edition 50% (2025 Whisky Show – GBP 65)
Glen Grant Exploration No 1 Rum Cask 48% (2025 Whisky Show – GBP 86)

Glen Grant 12 year 43%

On the nose, we get delicious baked goods, like apple pie or apple crumble, sweet spices, then shifts into a tart apple cidar, pear jelly, white flowers, honey, overall quite joyous. On the palate, it is simply easy, fruity, and fun. We found more of that apple pie, joined by caramel, nuts, and sweet spices like cinnamon and ginger, with a finish that rewards with lightly roasting the spices.

We thought it would make a rather fine whisky highball!

Glen Grant 18 year 43%

Deliberately skipping over the 15 year, we went straight to the 18 year. It greeted us with similar elements as the 12-year yet softer, layered, both more elegant and more decadent. On the palate, it was simply delicious with a lovely finish.

We pronounced this a fine “proper” classic dram.

Glen Grant 15 year Batch Strength 1st Edition 50%

This whisky is again, like a variation on a consistent, classic theme – just more amplified – in a good way! As I had sampled this expression quite recently, I skipped it in favour of going straight to our next offering…

Glen Grant Exploration No 1 Rum Cask 48%

Again, there is a clear continuity between the expressions, yet this time it was even sweeter! The nose amped up the caramel, something almost like a whiff of peach crumble, then became quite tropical with generous ripe bananas, juicy sultanas, and sweet spices. The palate was simply enjoyable, fruity, full of flavour, bright and zesty! Was that a hint of ginger in the finish?

This may seem counterintuitive given the rum influence; however, we thought this expression might make a rather regal old-fashioned!

What do the folks at Glen Grant have to say about their latest expression?

The Glen Grant Exploration Series celebrates ‘The Major’s’ own journey of discovery in his worldly quest to uncover unique flavours. The inaugural limited-edition release, Exploration No.1 showcases our delicately aromatic and fruity signature character, finished in exquisite rum casks, bottled at 48% ABV and non-chill filtered. After maturation in bourbon barrels, the whisky is transferred into the finest rum casks for finishing, resulting in a tropical influence of spice, rich dark sugar and ripe banana.

What a brilliant re-introduction to an industry standard. This reminded me that we shouldn’t always chase after the crazy and new, we should revisit distilleries we thought we knew too! And be reminded why they have been in the business for the long haul – in the case of The Glen Grant – that is for some 180 years!

What’s up in Part 2? We graduate into the mature, fully adult category – the world above 18 years! The kind of drams responsible for The Glen Grant’s venerable reputation!

Glen Grant 21 year (2024) 46% (2025 Whisky Show – GBP 252)
Glen Grant 25 year 46% (2025 Whisky Show – GBP 699 aka 1 Dream Dram Token)
Glen Grant 30 year 55% (2025 Whisky Show – GBP 1250 aka 3 Dream Dram Tokens)

As for other Glen Grant tasting experiences?

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At London’s Whisky Show, one receives a “dream dram” token each day. This is an opportunity to try something well outside the normal “affordability” range!

I was very clear about my choice – as the crowd around Whisky Auction can be thick – the plan was to go there 1st thing. Or more precisely, immediately after our calibration dram of the day – the reliable and most enjoyable Glenfarclas 15 year!

I had my eye on a Glen Grant from the 1970s whereas my tasting companion was after something extra special and fancied the Brora 1981. As his choice was 2 tokens and we had only 2 tokens, we decided to go with his choice. The gent had overheard our debate and made an offer we couldn’t refuse – both!

Brora 23 year (1981 / 2005) First Cask 1556 43% Bottle 756 ~GBP 625

Nose – Shy at first then hay
Palate – A bit more substance, a hint of spice, sweet, subtle digestive biscuits
Finish – Pleasant

Overall I found it pleasant but nothing particularly special. My tasting companion was completely disappointed – felt the hype and the price tag were simply not worth it!

We need to remind ourselves that we are sampling a slice of history – a distillery that had its moment in time before being mothballed. Once known as Clynelish, the style we reputed to be quite different – for some time quite heavily peated then a lighter peat. In this case, to be honest we didn’t catch any peat!

So what about my choice? If the Brora was a bit of a bust, the Glen Grant was a complete hit!

Glen Grant 12 year (1970s) 43%

Nose – Ahhhh….. An absolute delight! Bright and cheerful character, joined by some dark dried fruits topped with honey sweetness… after some time I found a lovely lemon custard pie. Delicious!!
Palate – Smooth and soft, then woke-up with pronounced sherry, yet still balanced
Finish – Long, strong and lovely

It was the perfect breakfast dram – sweet, classic style. The kind of whisky that will be companionable, joining you on a nice rambling journey. I was entranced and in love!

What followed? We neatly stepped next door to Whisky Sponge. Much like Whisky Auction, every time I passed by the previous day, the throngs were so thick I feared it would be impossible to have the kind of leisurely chatty experience we enjoy. How fabulous to be proved wrong!

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