[45.7%・9 Years Old・Distilled in 1969・Bottled in 1979・Bottled by J. & A. Mitchell & Co. Ltd for Samaroli Import・Limited Release of 360 Bottles]
Nose:
Strikingly fruity but also there is a remarkable presence at this strength, sweet cream brushed over corn bread, complimented by vanilla beans and wild hay. The soft white fruits subtly unfold into ripe guavas and mangoes.
Palate & Finish:
Mellow suggestions of tropical essence channeled through silky honey. Soft buttery mouthfeel bringing out traces and waves of toasted pineapples, albeit in a mildly dry manner.
Honeyed granola dressed with crystallised sugar from dried white grapes, influences of mint leaves, lemon grass, ginger and traces of minerals elongate the finish.
Thoughts:
The make up of this Glen Grant is supposedly very straightforward, an era-specific young Speyside whisky, but what it ends up conveying is a coherent sense of simple pleasure.
Now that I have had the experience of going through various cask samples and selecting a couple of casks I know just how difficult it is to see past the initial impressions and curate something authentic and timeless.
It takes foresight to understand and take advantage of the nuances of a young whisky from a distillery perhaps not too known for dramatic characters.
This is supposedly one of Mr. Samaroli’s earliest releases and initial attempts are never meant to be this outstanding, not with tailoring and certainly not with making whiskies.
This type of pure talent perhaps shows up once in a couple generations.
I am a fan.
☆☆ [Highly Recommended]
-Nicholas
WhiskNick 