1952 Gordon & MacPhail Glen Grant Rare Vintage 40%
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Tasting notes
Nose: yes, the splinters arrive first. But they are docile and submissive the moment alight citrus and vanilla duet begins. And virtually vanish altogether when the Malteaser chocolate turns up… Taste: soft and inviting like wide, tender and yielding lips. The taste buds are kissed and caressed over and over again by a gorgeous mix of ulmo honey and Horlicks, with the oak induced tannins ensuring a stiffening of the sensations at just the right time… Finish: this is spicy stuff, though at first you don’t quite notice because of the malty seduction of your palate. But the constant teasing, kissing and caressing leads, due to the spice, to an unexpectedly violent finish… which carries on and on and on before it softens and drifts away. Balance: the 1952 vintage Glen Grant has always been one of the finest post war bottlings they have consistently bottled. I had expected the quality to dip. It hasn’t. I can honestly tell you that there is very little that is better than tasting a 1952 vintage: it gets my vote every time…
Critic scores
Jim Murray, Whisky Bible
More reviews and scores
Matured in both a Sherry butt and American hogsheads, this gorgeous medium-bodied single malt offers the best of both oak types. A deep inhalation of the golden amber Speysider reveals soft Sherry notes mellowing into the provocative aroma of polished leather with a hint of ripe banana. The earthy notes that develop are complemented by a trail of herbs and fresh cut grass. An initial sip exposes the Sherry character of this greatly aged malt which accentuates the smoke and white pepper flavours with a rich and sweet fruit edge complemented by fresh apple and pear.<br><br>The addition of a small drop of clear spring water initially magnifies the Sherry influences balanced by sweet and warm beeswax notes and a subtle tobacco edge. The scent of freshly harvested pears and apricots linger in the nose. Pepper and cigar ash, which fill the mouth on the initial sip, are transmuted into a fruity compote of stewed plums and pears. A creamy milk chocolate edge lingers for a long and smooth finish.
About the producer
Glen Grant is one of the most revered whisky producers in Scotland. Located in Rothes, Speyside, the distillery has a long and storied history of producing remarkable Scotch whisky.