Glen Grant: The Major’s Reserve is a no age statement single malt that is extremely affordable. Commonly found for around 20 pounds, 30 USD or 45 AUD, it represents just about the most affordable single malt out there.
Its yellow-golden color suggests that it is matured in bourbon casks, and indeed it is. This malt is a classic Speyside – light and creamy with a hint of nuttiness. Whilst this might not be the most complex malt out there, for the money that you pay you really can’t ask for much more. This is cheaper than many standard blends and a whole lot more interesting to my tastes.
The nose of this whisky is light and warming, with some floral and citrus notes. It is a one dimensional aroma that doesn’t reveal its inner secrets with repeated nosings. Sweet with a touch of spice.
The mouthfeel of the Glen Grant Major’s Reserve is very thin, which is one of the major (ha) disappointments of this whisky. Fortunately, the flavors are all still there, with apricot, apple, walnut and butter. Creamy, but it can’t be described as rich thanks to the overall thinness. I think if these flavors were present with a little more volume this whisky would be really great.
The finish is surprisingly hot for such a sweet and fruity palate. It is short and sharp. I quite enjoyed it but it may come as an unwelcome shock to others.
I generally don’t water down whiskies bottled at 40% because it thins them out too much. Indeed, adding water didn’t do anything positive for this whisky as it is already quite light. Perhaps a little more fruitiness was revealed at loss of the butter, toffee and nut flavors.
Scoring an entry level dram is always difficult, but I’m inclined to look upon this one favorably. It is probably most comparable to the Glenlivet 12 in its fruitiness with some extra sweetness thrown in with a hot finish. In terms of value for money this is a great supermarket dram that will be enjoyed by many non-whisky lovers.
Glen Grant: The Major’s Reserve Information
- Style: Single malt Scotch whisky (no age statement)
- Area: Speyside
- ABV: 40%