Inside the Glasshouse of the Glen Grant

CONTENT: Adriel Yong
Glen Grant, a renowned single malt Scotch whisky distillery with a rich history dating back to 1840. Located in Speyside, Scotland, a region famous for its exceptional whiskies, Glen Grant has consistently produced high-quality spirits that have garnered acclaim worldwide. Today, it is the biggest selling single malt whisky in Italy.
Founded by brothers John and James Grant, the distillery has been a pioneer in whisky-making techniques and innovation. Glen Grant was one of the first distilleries to install tall, slender stills and purifiers, which contribute to its fresh malty flavor and clear colour to this day.
Under the current ownership of the Campari Group, Glen Grant continues to honor its heritage while embracing modern practices to ensure the highest standards of whisky production. Whether enjoyed neat, with a splash of water, or in cocktails, Glen Grant offers a versatile and refined drinking experience that embodies the essence of Speyside whisky-making tradition.
The distillery, has introduced The Glasshouse Collection, featuring their oldest permanent expressions to date. This prestigious range includes 21-, 25-, and 30-Year-Old whiskies, inspired by the legacy of James ‘The Major’ Grant and his Victorian glasshouse built in 1886.
The collection pays homage to The Major’s global travels and his passion for collecting exotic plants, drawing parallels between the nurturing environment of his glasshouse and the distillery’s warehouses where these exceptional spirits have matured for decades.
This launch coincides with the retirement of Master Distiller Dennis Malcolm OBE, who has dedicated 63 years to The Glen Grant. His successor, Greg Stables, will continue the distillery’s legacy of excellence.
Each whisky in the collection is aged in American oak bourbon barrels and Oloroso Sherry casks within the distillery’s oldest dunnage warehouse. The Glen Grant’s unique distillation process, using tall-necked stills and water-cooling purifiers, creates their signature zesty green apple essence. The three expressions represent different times of day, showcasing the spirit’s remarkable aging potential and the distillery’s commitment to quality and innovation.
The 21-Year-Old, bottled at 46% ABV, delivered an explosion of tropical fruits, balanced with creamy butter notes on the palate. This interplay of flavors creates a delightful mouthfeel that coats the tongue, allowing each sip to be fully appreciated. The finish is where this whisky truly shines, offering a lingering caramelized crème brûlée sensation that leaves a lasting impression.
The 25-Year-Old, bottled at 46% ABV, presents a bright gold hue, with an aroma that is a delightful symphony of bright citrus fruits, boiled sweets, and hard candy. On the palate, it offers a velvety smooth texture that coats the mouth, delivering rich flavors of dark chocolate, zesty orange rind, oak, and nutmeg. The finish is equally impressive, with enduring warm spices and a faint hint of soft smoke, adding depth and complexity to the overall experience. This lingering conclusion is a testament to the whisky’s quarter-century maturation.
The 30-Year-Old, bottled at 48% ABV, was the star of the tasting. A truly exceptional expression that presents a rich amber hue. This 30-year-old whisky immediately captivates the eye. The aroma is a complex bouquet of sweet nectarine, honey, and dried fruit, hinting at the depth and maturity that awaits. On the palate, this whisky unfolds with remarkable sophistication. The initial taste of demerara sugar is beautifully balanced by a delicately mellow creaminess, creating a luxurious mouthfeel. The intricate layers of oak, developed over three decades of maturation, provide a robust backbone to the sweeter notes. The finish is where this whisky truly shines, offering a long, smooth sweetness complemented by rich fruity tones.
The verdict? It was clear that each vintage was stunning in its own right and everyone had their different favorite. Personally, I really enjoyed the 25-year-old for the nice balance of flavours and the long finish. On the other hand, others felt that the 30-year-old had an incredible depth of flavours given the much longer maturation.
The Glasshouse Collection will be available in select markets worldwide, including the U.S, U.K., and Asia beginning in 2024. In Singapore, the collection, with the exception of 30-Year-Old that is scheduled to arrive in Q1 2025 will be sold directly via Campari Group’s RARE Division sales at rare.asia@campari.com or Online