Grant's The Family Reserve (40.0%): Although Grant's Family Reserve is very popular all over Europe especially in UK and Scotland we don't see it very often in bars across US. It is one of the bottles which started my interest in low shelf blends last summer in London and was also one of my favorites. The brand is owned by William Grant & Sons who has Glenfiddich, The Balvenie and Kininvie malt whisky and Girvan grain whisky distilleries in their portfolio. The whisky is first introduced by William Grant himself in 1898 and now it is blended by Master Blender Brian Kinsman. It comes with an unbelievable price tag of $20 - $25. Color: Yellow gold, like polished brass. Nose: Quince jam, prunes and orange peel. Sweet malt, corn bread with melting butter on and cloves. Barely detectable fire place smoke. A splash of water added some nice peppermint and odd rubbery aromas. Palate: Pretty watery but flavorful. Diner style carrot cake, baked barley pudding with cloves and cinnamon dusting on. In spite of its low abv actually a few drops of water improves the palate. It adds some texture and gives it a creamier body with honey, brown sugar and cereal notes. Surprisingly enjoyable. Finish: Fast and short. Sudden death with malty and grainy sweetness. Overall: This is my kind of a blend... Smooth, easy going, not complicated but not bland... Would go great with a flat British Ale. It would make me very happy to see this bottle on the shelf of any bar I walk in. My favorite so far in our blend project...
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