William Grant and Sons is one of the largest spirits companies in the world, representing over a dozen brands. The original William Grant came from very humble beginnings, starting his worklife on a farm, then an apprentice shoemaker, and finally working his way up the corporate ladder from bookkeeper to clerk to manager at the Mortlach Distillery. By the time he was in his late 40’s he decided to start his own distillery. He purchased an 18th century mansion near Balvenie Castle and began remodeling it into a working distillery.
Grant himself continued to work as a master distiller until he passed away in 1923 at the age of 83. His legacy lives on and his whiskies continue to win awards the world over. The latest in the line is the Balvenie Single Barrel Sherry Cask 15 Year Old. Made from local floor malted barley, and water from the Robbie Dubh spring, it is aged exclusively in European oak ex-sherry casks for at least 15 years.
Balvenie Single Barrel Sherry Cask 15 Year Old (95.6 proof)
Visual: Dark orange-brown.
Nose: Obvious sherry notes intermingled with a heady dose of slightly smoked malt.
Taste: The sweetness of the sherry almost overwhelms the whisky itself, but is held in check by the higher proof. Initially, everything seems to be headed in a fruity sweet direction, but after several seconds things tone down to an unusual dry atmosphere. This is a contemplative whiskey that makes you think.
Finish: Fruity, but also rich with maltiness. There is a deep undercurrent of sherry that holds on for a good while.
Overall: Quite unusual and worth seeking out.
GSN Rating: A-
For more information go to: The Balvenie
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