The ever reliable Glen Grant makes its regular appearance in the outturn – this example being matured for 18 years in a 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel.
Nose: Battenberg cake with a notably thick marzipan covering is joined by dried apricots and dehydrated apple and mango slices. Sultanas and oaty cereals are sweetened with golden syrup before cashew nuts and shaved chocolate collide with desiccated coconut and buttery brioche. Dilution expressed malted milk, nutmeg and a peach and mango strudel.
Taste: Pineapple marmalade and orchard fruits sit with pressed flowers, clear honey and gently sheened oak. Golden syrup joins a bowl of dry Alpen whilst gingerbread men sits alongside almonds and cashews. Water unlocks gently spiced apple tart together with orange jelly and a sprinkle of pepper. Sweeter, but certainly drier in the back palate.
Finish: Medium in length with warm toasted oak and fading ginger spiced fruitiness.
This Glen Grant presents with an appealing profile that runs the gamut of fruit and nut throughout its development. Less scope for manipulation with water than some bottles on this month’s outturn – but nevertheless as appealing and solidly composed as one would expect.