Glen Grant 1995 Signatory Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glen Grant Distillery, Speyside, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation: Distilled on May 31st, 1995, and matured in two ex-bourbon barrels (cask numbers 88,119 and 120) for 19 years. Bottled on April 16th, 2015.
Age Statement: 19 years.
Color and Clarity: Natural color, chill-filtered.
Bottle Design: The bottle is part of Signatory Vintage's range, with specific details about distillation and bottling dates, cask numbers, and bottle number (480) indicated on the label. The design suggests it is not intended as a collector's item but rather for consumption.

Balance of Flavors: A harmonious blend of mature, sweet fruitiness with underlying oakiness and a hint of spice.
Unique Characteristics: The whisky showcases a mature Speyside fruitiness, with notes of sweet oranges, peaches, nectarines, caramel, distant vanilla, and a faint oakiness. The finish brings a gentle milk chocolate note.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, its profile of mature fruitiness and smoothness on the palate suggests it stands out among Speyside whiskies, especially for its age and price point.

Distillery History: Glen Grant has a long history of distilling and selling casks to independent bottlers and the blend industry, including for Chivas Regal. It was mentioned that Glen Grant was sold to Campari.
Independent Bottling: This bottle is a testament to the practice of independent bottlers like Signatory Vintage purchasing casks and maturing them separately from the distillery, often leading to unique expressions of the whisky.

Speyside Identity: The whisky embodies the typical Speyside character of fruitiness but with a mature and refined twist, distinguishing it from younger Speyside expressions that might focus more on fresh fruit notes.

Horst Luening, the master taster, describes the whisky as a "wonderful space hider" and a "hidden gem" of the industry, offering great value for money. He emphasizes its smoothness, lack of alcoholic sharpness, and the mature, sweet fruitiness as standout characteristics.

19-year-old single malt from Glen Grant, matured in ex-bourbon barrels.
Natural color, chill-filtered, 43% ABV.
Flavor profile includes mature fruitiness with notes of oranges, peaches, caramel, and a hint of oak and milk chocolate.
Noted for its value for money and as a hidden gem among Speyside whiskies.
Independent bottling by Signatory Vintage, emphasizing the unique qualities achieved through separate maturation.

Speyside Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the quintessential fruitiness of Speyside whiskies but are looking for a more mature expression.
Value Seekers: Whisky lovers seeking high-quality, aged single malts at a reasonable price point.
Independent Bottling Curious: Individuals interested in exploring the unique offerings and perspectives provided by independent bottlers.