The 2009 Malt Maniacs Awards were won by a Glen Grant 1972 from a sherry cask. The newest series by The Whisky Agency, labeled “Grotesque Crocs”, contains a sherried 1972 Glen Grant as well.
Glen Grant 38 yo 1972 (52,8%, The Whisky Agency ‘Grotesque Crocs’ 2011, refill sherry hogshead, 215 btl.)
Nose: a jammy and syrupy nose (Maple syrup and Belgian “Sirop de Liège”, made of pears). Lots of dried fruits (apricots, prunes) and honey. Quite some oak and spices (nutmeg, mint). Roasted nuts. A little wax. After breathing and the addition of a few drops of water it gets fruitier and more toasted at the same time. Very nice.
Mouth: punchy and thick, with orange zest, citrus and heavy spices (nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger). Again a roasted element (coffee?) and some bitter chocolate. Drying towards the end. I prefer the palate without water as it seems to highlight the spices even more.
Finish: long, with the spices a little louder. The fruits are less assertive by now.
This Glen Grant may be spicier and a tad less fruity than the award-winning 1972/2009 for The Whisky Fair. It certainly delivers, but the reaction to water (nose / palate) make it difficult to play around with. Currently on its way to a store near you. Around € 180.
Score: 88/100