The Glen Grant recently made waves in the whisky industry with the retirement of master distiller Dennis Malcolm after an impressive 63 years in the business. To mark his departure, the legendary malt maker received a significant industry accolade—the 2022 release of Glen Grant 21 was named the “Best In Show” scotch at the third annual TAG Global Spirits Awards. This $349 bottling is a testament to Malcolm’s expertise and dedication to crafting exceptional whiskies.
Originally launched in early 2023, Glen Grant 21 Year Old is a creation of Mr. Malcolm himself. He carefully selected a blend of casks that had been aged in ex-Oloroso sherry butts or ex-bourbon barrels, all sourced from the distillery’s oldest dunnage warehouse in Rothes. The result is a complex yet approachable dram with tropical fruit notes, a creamy texture, and a hint of peppered pineapple on the nose. Judges at the TAG Global Spirits Awards were impressed by the whiskey’s evolution in the glass, awarding it a high score of 96 out of 100.
The release of Glen Grant 21 is part of The Glen Grant’s Principal Collection, which highlights the distillery’s signature style—light and fresh like a flower garden. Visitors to the distillery in Speyside can immerse themselves in the history and craftsmanship behind the whisky, from the meandering water source to the botanical garden established by “Major” James Grant in 1886. For those unable to visit in person, a bottle of the award-winning Glen Grant 21 offers a taste of the distillery’s heritage and quality right at home.
While the award-winning Glen Grant 21 is a limited edition from 2022 and priced between $340-$440 at American retailers, it is a worthy investment for any whisky enthusiast looking to celebrate a special occasion or retire like Mr. Malcolm. As one of the most respected figures in the whisky industry, Malcolm’s retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy lives on in the exceptional whiskies he has created over the years. Stay tuned for more winners from the TAG Global Spirits Awards and continue to enjoy the world of fine spirits.
