Located in the heart of Speyside, Glen Grant has been creating bright, apple-forward single malts since it was founded in 1840 by brothers John and James Grant. The Rothes maker was set up to produce its signature light spirit, from its curiously shaped stills (the boil balls are almost square) to its purifiers. These production choices result in a clear, bright spirit that bursts with bright, fresh fruity notes.
Unique Features of Glen Grant Whisky
Glen Grant has become known as an early pioneer in the creation of single malt whisky. The tall, slender stills with the unusual boil balls are just the start. Known as ‘The Major’, James Grant was the first to utilise a water cooling purifier while distilling whisky. This helped to enable the selection of only the very lightest vapours, resulting in that bright, fresh flavour profile. Others in Speyside admired the distillery character in the whisky and sought to replicate it, thus setting the standard for the lighter styles that at one point dominated the region.
Glen Grant continues to be a groundbreaking maker – this time in the area of sustainability. It was closed over the summer of 2024 for the installation of thermal vapour recompression technology on the wash stills, which will save a significant amount of energy during distillation.
Most of the spirit produced today is matured in both ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, which maintain the fresh, fruity character that Glen Grant is known for.
Glen Grant is situated in Rothes in Speyside, and is surrounded by beautifully maintained Victorian-era gardens. Spanning 22 acres of lawns, trees and flowerbeds, they were designed and built by The Major – he clearly appreciated nature as much as science.
Glen Grant Whisky Range
The Glen Grant whisky range spans age statements, limited editions and a travel retail exclusive bottling. The collection fully encompasses the Glen Grant distillery style of light, elegant, fruity whiskies.
Glen Grant Arboralis was inspired by the light as it flows through the trees in the distillery garden. Matured in ex-bourbon and ex-oloroso sherry casks, it offers delicate fruit and floral honey notes, set in a creamy texture.
In terms of age statements, the iconic 10-year-old, also matured in ex-bourbon and ex-oloroso sherry casks, offers a profoundly butterscotch-forward profile. The 21-year-old has a greater proportion of oloroso casks for a warming, toasty, fruit and spice-forward sipping experience. Perhaps the pinnacle of the collection, Glen Grant 30 Year Old offers an exquisite balance of both cask styles, along with intricate notes of nectarines and baking spices. A stunning whisky indeed.
Visiting Glen Grant Distillery
The Glen Grant Distillery is currently closed for renovations while the team develops a new visitor centre experience. It is due to reopen in 2026. Guests can expect to enjoy tours and tastings across the whisky range, and to relax in those stunning Victorian gardens.
FAQs
Who makes Glen Grant whisky?
Glen Grant is a Speyside distillery owned by Campari Group.
What makes Glen Grant whisky unique in the Speyside region?
Glen Grant is a light, bright Speyside whisky, known for its exactingly balanced expressions made using both ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. It is recognised as a pioneer in Speyside for its unusual stills which make use of water cooling purifiers. These result in a fresh, aromatic spirit style. Today, Glen Grant is investing in green distilling technology to reduce its carbon emissions.
How has Glen Grant's distillation technology influenced Scotch whisky production?
Glen Grant was the first to introduce its water cooling purifiers, making it a true pioneer. Others, especially in Speyside, sought to emulate the spirit style. As such, it shaped the historically light, fruity whisky character associated with the region.
Can visitors explore the Glen Grant Distillery and gardens?
Glen Grant Distillery and its beautiful Victorian gardens are currently closed as the distillery undertakes renovations. Work is expected to be complete in early 2026, when there will be a new visitor centre for guests.
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