Glen Grant 1962 Gordon & MacPhail Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glen Grant Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation: Matured in a first-fill European sherry cask.
Age Statement: 46 years old (distilled in 1962, bottled in 2008).
ABV: 40%.
Color and Clarity: The whisky is not artificially colored, showcasing the natural hues imparted by the sherry cask.
Bottle Design: Features the former original label of Glen Grant, reflecting the era when Glen Grant primarily supplied whisky to blenders and grocery stores.

Balance of Flavors: A complex balance of sherry influence, oakiness, and dark fruits, with a notable presence of bitter and resinous flavors.
Unique Characteristics: The whisky exhibits a rich sherry influence, complemented by notes of menthol, anise, eucalyptus, dark chocolate, espresso coffee, resin, licorice, and bitter old grapefruit.
Comparison: Very old whiskies from the same region and matured in similar types of casks tend to have less distinction in flavor profile, with the cask influence dominating over the distillery character.

The bottle suffered a leak, leading to the decision to open it rather than sell it, highlighting the challenges of preserving and selling vintage whiskies.
Gordon & MacPhail, the bottler, is renowned as a leading independent bottler in Scotland with a significant inventory of maturing casks.
The cork's unique failure and the importance of storing bottles upright are discussed, emphasizing the care needed for whisky collection.

Glen Grant's history of not selling its own whisky directly and its relationship with independent bottlers like Gordon & MacPhail is highlighted.
The significance of vintage whiskies to collectors and as gifts for milestone birthdays is discussed, along with the rarity and value of whiskies from the 1960s and earlier.

"Sherry, sherry, sherry," emphasizes the dominant influence of the sherry cask on the whisky's flavor profile.
The discussion on the optimal ABV for vintage whiskies and the trade-off between bottle yield and alcohol strength provides insight into the bottling decisions for aged whiskies.

Glen Grant 1962, bottled by Gordon & MacPhail, is a 46-year-old single malt Scotch whisky matured in a first-fill European sherry cask.
It showcases a complex flavor profile dominated by sherry, oak, and dark fruits, with unique notes of menthol, anise, and bitter old grapefruit.
The whisky's story includes challenges in preservation and the significance of independent bottling in Glen Grant's history.
Cultural significance revolves around the collectibility of vintage whiskies and their value as milestone gifts.
Expert opinions highlight the influence of sherry casks and the considerations behind bottling vintage whiskies at lower ABVs.

Vintage Whisky Collectors: Individuals interested in rare and aged whiskies, particularly those seeking bottles from specific vintage years.
Sherry Cask Enthusiasts: Whisky lovers who appreciate the deep, rich flavors imparted by first-fill sherry casks.
Connoisseurs of Complex Profiles: Aficionados looking for whiskies with a complex balance of flavors, including bitter and resinous notes.
Gift Seekers for Milestone Birthdays: Those looking to purchase a significant and memorable gift for someone born in 1962 or around that era.