22 years in an ex-bourbon hogshead and then a finish in a 2nd fill American oak PX hoggie for this Glen Grant.
Nose: Red berries (raspberries and strawberries) alongside meaty balsamic, nougat and dark chocolate. Additional fruitiness develops with resting – plums, orange peels and some brighter tropical notes of guava alongside melon. Running throughout – lacquered furniture and a background musty dunnage note. Reduction adds much more expression – buttercup florals with rosehips (Turkish Delight) and underlying grassiness.
Taste: Soft but viscous on the arrival. Plenty of silky fruits with raspberry Eaton Mess served with a side of strawberries and whipped cream. Then, there’s spice – plenty of it. Pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg with a sliver of hot red chilli – all quite punchy. After the spices have faded - chocolate sponge, and some juicy tropical from guava with melon balls. Dilution tempers the spiciness and adds orange and lemon peels alongside a soft chalkiness.
Finish: Medium to long, rather cask-forward and astringent. Dry oak and hot chilli.
There’s some lovely aromas and flavours knocking around in this Glen Grant – the PX has added an array of defined berries and dark fruits. But, there’s also a fair whack of unchecked cask. If you like it spicy-forward you’re in for a treat - but it’s pushing the boundaries of balance for me. Good, but should have been better.