Whisky Review/Tasting: Grant's The Family Reserve

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Grant's Family Reserve is a product of William Grant & Sons, a company with a rich heritage in the Scotch whisky industry, owning distilleries such as Glenfiddich, Balvenie, and Kininvie, as well as the old Girvan grain distillery in South Ayrshire and the newly built Ailsa Bay malt whisky distillery.
Type: Blended Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: The blend likely includes malt whiskies from Kininvie, Balvenie, Glenfiddich, and Ailsa Bay, contributing to its complexity. The exact maturation process isn't detailed, but coloring is added to achieve a consistent appearance.
Age Statement: No age statement is provided.
Physical Description: The whisky is presented in a colorless, clear, triangular-shaped plastic bottle, a departure from the traditional glass bottle, purchased from a ferry in Scandinavia. The color of the whisky is enhanced with caramel to give it the recognizable whisky appearance.

Balance of Flavors: The whisky offers a full nose with a decent amount of malt, a little spicy oak, distant smoke, a hint of sweetness, and a metallic note typical of young blended whiskies. The finish is medium, with the smoke lasting.
Unique Characteristics: The addition of a small amount of smoky malt whisky to the blend adds complexity and distinguishes it from other spirits like bourbons and Indian whiskies.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, it's implied that Grant's Family Reserve holds its own in the mid-price range of Scotch whiskies, offering a blend that can be sipped neat or used in cocktails without being overpowered by additional ingredients.

Anecdotes: Horst Luening, the mastertaster, shares his personal purchasing story, buying the whisky in a plastic bottle from a ferry in Scandinavia, highlighting his skepticism towards blended and cheaper whiskies.
Trivia: The company, William Grant & Sons, was founded in 1887, with the first spirit flowing in 1889. It remains a family-owned business with a significant number of descendants from the founder.

Historical Context: The whisky is part of a long tradition of Scotch whisky making, with William Grant & Sons being a significant player in the industry for over a century. The company's portfolio of distilleries contributes to the rich and complex character of Grant's Family Reserve.

Opinions: Horst Luening expresses a general disinterest in blended and cheaper whiskies but acknowledges the quality and complexity of Grant's Family Reserve, suggesting it's a blend worth trying.
Quotes: "Grant's Family Reserve has been crafted for five generations to create a rich and complex Scotch whisky with depth and character."

Grant's Family Reserve is a blended Scotch whisky from William Grant & Sons, featuring malt whiskies from several of their distilleries.
The whisky is enhanced with caramel coloring and is presented in a unique triangular-shaped plastic bottle.
It offers a balance of malt, oak, smoke, and sweetness, with a medium finish and a slight metallic note.
The blend is designed to be versatile, suitable for sipping neat or in cocktails.
The company's rich history and family ownership add to the whisky's story.
Despite initial skepticism, the reviewer acknowledges the blend's quality and recommends it for its complexity and character.

For Whisky Enthusiasts: Those interested in exploring the nuances of blended Scotch whiskies might find Grant's Family Reserve a fascinating addition to their collection, especially given its heritage and complexity.
For Casual Drinkers: Individuals looking for a versatile whisky that can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails might appreciate the balance and approachability of Grant's Family Reserve.
For Budget-Conscious Consumers: Given its mid-price range and the reviewer's positive remarks, this whisky could appeal to those seeking quality without breaking the bank.