Glen Grant Scotch Single Malt 15 Year Batch Strength 2015

Joining the 12- and 18-year-old expressions, this is the newest release from this Speyside single malt distiller. This batch-strength beauty is 100 proof, but you wouldn’t know from the delicate aromas of honeyed orange and peach tart. The full mouthfeel (thanks to nonchill filtering) starts with a roar of white pepper and nutmeg but soon purrs along with dried apricot, toffee, and spiced pear. The finish of lime-tobacco and walnut is decisive and clean.

This golden Speyside single malt was aged a full 15 years in ex-Bourbon barrels. The result is a honeyed aroma that mixes fresh apple and pear with a floral hint. The palate opens softly at first, with plenty of fruit and a light veil of peat smoke. Adding water brings more juicy pear, marmalade and vanilla to the forefront, finishing with lingering smoke and spice.