Grant’s Triple Wood 12 (40%)

Continuing my exploration of blended Scottish whiskies, and my trip down memory lane, I turn my attention today to a premium offering from William Grant & Sons, the fifth generation family distilling company responsible for, in addition to the Grant’s line, the Glenfiddich and Balvenie brands, as well as Tullamore D.E.W., Monkey Shoulder, Hendrick’s, and other spirits.

I first became aware of regular Grant’s Triple Wood, or as he more simply called it, ‘Grant’s,’ thanks to my father, for whom it was a house pour. Dad poured it most often in a whisky and soda, but would also occasionally drink it on the rocks or in a Rob Roy, either of which occasions generally calls for a spirit of some weight and depth. While he was definitely partial to a single malt, to his mind Grant’s held up well enough for any of the above uses.

Sadly, Dick Beaumont didn’t live long enough to see the release of the Triple Wood 12 in 2021, but I think he would have found it to be a very positive development.

Like its younger portfolio-mate, the Triple Wood 12 is matured in sherry oak, bourbon oak, and virgin American oak, which combine to give the whisky an admirable complexity. Grant’s doesn’t disclose the amount of time allotted to each barrel type or the order in which they are used, but if I were to guess, I’d say the sherry oak is likely employed for finishing, given the honey and fruit at the front of the palate.

Medium gold in colour, the first thing that the aroma offers is a combination of sweetish fruit and gentle peat – orange and its dried peel, dried apricot and peach, all accompanied by soft notes of vanilla, wild flower honey, and light smoke. On the palate, there is first sweet orange, vanilla, and peach, then a drying trend as the flavour progresses to a woodier, lightly smoky mid-palate with very soft brown spice, especially nutmeg, and a hint of florals. The finish is dry and lingering, with notes of charred oak and soft smoke.

I’ve sipped this on its own, used it in a generously proportioned whisky and soda, and mixed it in cocktails, and it performed admirably each time. Dad would definitely have approved.

88 ($54 - $66)