Lady of the Glen Whisky Sample Glen Grant 22 Year Old 1998 cask 13212 2020 Release (30ml, 55.1%)

Lady of the Glen Whisky Sample Glen Grant 22 Year Old 1998 cask 13212 2020 Release (30ml, 55.1%)

This Lady of the Glen Glen Grant 22 Year Old is a fascinating study in "distillate-forward" maturation. Bottled by Gregor Hannah (Hannah Whisky Merchants) in 2020, this specific cask (#13212) is quite rare because, despite being a 500-liter "butt," it was a refill cask so exhausted of sherry influence that the whisky remains a pale straw color.

At 22 years old, this is essentially a "naked" Glen Grant, allowing the elegant, floral Speyside spirit to shine without being buried by oak or wine.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Remarkably light and elegant for its age. It opens with orchard blossom, green apples, and fresh pears. There is a soft, malty core reminiscent of barley sugars and vanilla cream, followed by a clean, grassy note like dried straw in a sunlit barn. With time, a delicate hint of orange zest and beeswax emerges.

Palate: The arrival is bright and "consistent" (a hallmark of Glen Grant). It leads with honeyed oats and lemon drops, transitioning into a lush fruitiness of poached pears and apricot jam. Despite the 55.1% strength, the alcohol is beautifully integrated, providing a peppery tingle that never overwhelms the delicate clove and coriander spice.

Finish: Long, clean, and floral. It leaves a refreshing trail of vanilla bean, toasted oak, and a final, zesty burst of grapefruit. It is crisp and "vertical," meaning it doesn't linger heavily but leaves the palate feeling incredibly clean.

Why it's special

• The "Stealth" Butt: Usually, a sherry butt means a "sherry bomb." This cask proves that a high-quality refill vessel can act as a neutral "time capsule," allowing 22 years of oxygen interaction to soften the spirit without adding heavy tannins or sulfur.

• Malt Bomb Potential: This is for fans of the "Cereal" profile. If you enjoy whiskies that taste like the raw ingredients—pure barley and honey—this is one of the best examples from the late 90s.