The Glen Grant has launched Exploration No. 1, the first release in a new bi-annual Exploration Series that will highlight unique cask finishes sourced from around the world. Finished in hand-selected rum casks, Exploration No. 1 brings a new layer of vibrancy to the Speyside distillery’s signature fruit-forward style.
Honoring a Legacy of Exploration
The series draws inspiration from James “The Major” Grant, the distillery’s 19th-century leader known for his global travels and pioneering spirit. Each release in the Exploration Series will celebrate this legacy by experimenting with new finishes, offering whisky enthusiasts different perspectives on The Glen Grant’s character.
Flavor Profile and Production
Exploration No. 1 begins with distillation in The Glen Grant’s custom-designed stills and purifiers, followed by maturation in ex-bourbon barrels before finishing in rum casks. Bottled at 48% ABV, the whisky presents aromas of berries, oranges, and ripe banana, with flavors of vanilla, tropical fruits, and warming spices. The finish is described as long and creamy, with fresh pineapple notes.
Master Distiller’s Vision
“To this day at The Glen Grant, we strive to evoke these same characteristics in the making of our scotch just as The Major was explorative in his travels and visionary with his whiskies,” said Greig Stables, Master Distiller. He added, “In the past several years I’ve developed a real love and admiration for aged rums… What we found [with a rum finish] was the amplification of the flavours, bringing a vibrant topicality to the fruity foundations of our spirit.”
Global Launch and Pricing
Exploration No. 1 will first appear in global travel retail across Asia-Pacific, followed by wider distribution in select international markets later this month. The release is priced at a recommended $120 USD.
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