Speyside (Glen Grant) 19 (2003) Whisky Sponge 72

Review by: Raygun

Haven’t had many from Glen Grant, and what I have hasn’t been anything too exciting. This one is unusual, Glen Grant made with lightly peated malt. Glen Grant was the only Speyside distillery founded in 1840, so that date reveals the distillery. Bottled by Decadent Drinks under the Whisky Sponge brand. Rested about 15 minutes.

Distillery: Glen Grant  

Bottler: Decadent Drinks 

Region/style: Speyside single malt Scotch

ABV: 51.2%  

Age: 19 years. Distilled in 2003 and bottled in 2022. 

Cask type: Refill hogshead, 228 bottles.

Color: 0.9 amontillado. Natural color and non-chillfiltered.

Nose: Hard to notice much peat, but there’s an earthy smell that’s unusual for Glen Grant. Pineapple, parsley, lemon zest, and a nice level of oak.           

Palate: Caramel, lemon, apple, and again something a little different. Not obvious peat, but something that marks it out as not a run of the mill bourbon cask Speyside. Definite brininess to it, and quite tart, too. Lemon tart and hints of parmesan cheese. Richer with water, with more pineapple. If this is any indication, Glen Grant should do more light peat. 

Finish: Takes a turn toward herbaceous, even vegetal. Artichoke, salted butter, caramel, and pineapples. Rather different from the palate, and pretty distinctive overall.   

Conclusion: This is fun. My favorite of my small sample of Glen Grant. Brings something unusual, even if I wouldn’t identify it as peated. It’s got a lot going on. Tart, fruity, briny, herbal, and some umami make for a very good combination in this particular case. Each sip brings something different, and I always enjoy that. My favorite Glen Grant for sure.

Score: 87

Scoring Legend:

  • 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky. (Convalmore 36)
  • 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category. (Bruichladdich Black Art 4.1)
  • 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram. (Ledaig 13 Amontillado)
  • 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff. (Tomatin 18)
  • 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting. (Glen Scotia 15)
  • 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better. (Aultmore 12)
  • 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink. (Glenmorangie 10)
  • 50-59: Save it for mixing. (Old Pulteney 12)
  • 0-49: Blech. (Muirhead’s Silver Seal 16)

Published by Raygun

Unknown's avatar

I drank Scotch occasionally (mostly at family gatherings) for years, but started getting more interested after an introduction and tasting from a Scottish acquaintance. That led to buying my first bottle (Highland Park 12). Now 600+ spirits later, Scotch is still my first love, but I drink other whisky and dabble in brandy as well.

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