Grant’s Whisky

I've asked Mike, the Madhouse daddy, to review a few things since I started writing this blog - Moccis slipper socks, Brylcreem hair products, cherry licorice, ... - but none of them has brought a bigger smile to his lips than when I mentioned he'd need to sample a bottle of Grant's whisky !

We received a bottle of Grant's Family Reserve Blended Scotch Whisky to review and, even as a non-whisky drinker, I love the chunky triangular-shaped bottle and golden honey colour of the whisky inside. I even went as far as having a sniff and it smells lovely and woody, smoky and sweet, almost like a honey or syrup.

By this time, Mike was looking at me impatiently with a glass in his hand so I passed over the testing to him. He said it had a lovely smooth flavour and was very nice. Not quite as poetic as Nick Nairn, top chef and brand ambassador for Grant's, who evokes the "complex, clean and fruity flavour of the Grant’s Whisky or the creamy, malty and honeyed taste of the Grant’s Ale Cask Reserve". Honey ! I said that ! Move over Jilly Goolden, I'll be after your job soon !

Grant's proudly state on their labels (and it's even embossed on the glass bottle itself) that they've been making whisky since 1887. They explain, "William Grant's passion for blending the finest whisky has been passed down from generation to generation. As has his secret recipe, today in the expert hands of Grant’s Master Blender Brian Kinsman. The selected whiskies are blended together then left to ‘marry’ in special oak casks for several months before bottling. This period allows their flavours and aromas to get to know each other, giving greater consistency of flavour to the whisky. The oak casks that are used to mature and finish Grant’s Whisky are what give it much of its flavour, colour and character."

They also proudly explain, "Five generations and over 100 years since its creation, the flagship of the Grant’s range of blended Scotch whiskies, Grant’s Family Reserve, reasserted its credentials as one of the whisky industry’s greats by scooping Gold at the prestigious 2009 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC). The Grant’s Ale Cask has more recently won Gold Best in Class at the 2010 IWSC. The International Wine and Spirit Competition Medals and trophies are the most prestigious honours awarded in the trade, representing the best of the best in the world of wine and spirits."

Hardly surprising then that it got a huge thumbs up from Mike who, just to prove a point, poured himself another wee dram to savour !

Even if you're not a huge whisky drinker, you can still enjoy the delicious recipe invented by Nick Nairn here. You can also sign up to the Grant’s After Hours Club. They say, "Whether you’re interested in gardening, music or you simply want to explore your favourite whisky accompanied by some brilliant food ideas, the Grant’s After Hours Club has something for everyone. Visit regularly for news, events and promotions, plus the chance to win ‘money can’t buy’, deeper, richer experiences throughout the year, such as a meet and greet with Club ambassadors or a pianist to play for a member and their friends at a party."

The current fantastic money-can’t-buy prize up for grabs is a once a year opportunity to attend Nick Nairn’s Christmas Demonstration Lunch on 21st December. This includes a festive foodie cookery demonstration, followed by a three course Festive lunch. It also includes a welcome drink and three course lunch with wine and tablet (a traditional Scottish sweet). Now that sounds good to me !

star rating : 5/5

RRP : Grant’s Family Reserve Whisky - £14.29, Grant’s Sherry Cask - £14.99 and Grant’s Ale Cask - £14.99

for more information : http://www.grantswhisky.com/uk/

Other reviews you may be interested in :

Nick Nairn's recipe using Grant's Whisky
Camitz Sparkling Vodka
Three Barrels Mulled Wine Cocktail - perfect winter warmer recipe