Like the Port Ellen 1983, this Glen Grant 1972 was bottled in 2012 and released by Maltbarn just recently. Like the neighbouring Caperdonich 1972, it’s one of the old delights that seem to have disappeared from the market almost entirely.
Glen Grant 40 yo 1972 (51,6%, Maltbarn 2012, sherry cask, 49 btl.)
Nose: the joys of old whisky. Different kinds of fruit jams (apricots and greengages), mixed with wonderful beehive notes (pollen, beeswax, honeycomb) and fine polished oak. Very light resinous notes, as well as a minty freshness and cinnamon. Quite brilliant.
Mouth: spicier, with a faint oaky bitterness, but luckily there’s still plenty of fruity sweetness. Oranges and yellow plums. Fruit cake. Honey pastry and beeswax. Evolves on Earl Grey teas.
Finish: fruit tea indeed. Long, honeyed, with mild tannins considering the age. A little aniseed in the very end.
Yes, I love this profile. Just a handful of bottles left, I guess. These Glen Grant 1972’s have become expensive but they’re still wonderful. We should be thankful someone can still offer them. Around € 400.
Score: 92/100