In 1840, the pioneering spirit of brothers James and John Grant laid the foundation for The Glen Grant, Speyside’s inaugural distillery, where time itself became an essential ingredient. Fast forward to the present, the hands of time have gracefully ticked away to unveil The Glen Grant Devotion as a testament to patience and craftsmanship. This exquisite 70-year-old single malt whisky is the oldest from The Glen Grant and encapsulates the essence of a 180-year journey, echoing the innovative legacy of its founders and the meticulous dedication of master distiller Dennis Malcolm OBE.
Crafted by the collective genius of Dennis Malcolm, acclaimed craftsman John Galvin, and skilled hot glass master Brodie Nairn of GLASSTORM, The Glen Grant Devotion 70-year-old comes to life in seven unique, hand-blown decanters. Each decanter is a work of art, shaped as a mesmerising gem with seven facets, each symbolising a decade of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. A silver capsule adorns the bottle, with a unique floral motif engraving with decanter Number One featuring The Queen Elizabeth Rose in gold. The other six chosen flowers of Orchid, Daffodil, Daisy & Clematis, Begonia, Stephanotis, Rose were selected based on their significance to the English monarch. Each decanter rests within a handcrafted wood sculpture, harvested from a single fallen Scottish elm tree found on the distillery’s grounds. Along the frame’s diameter are an intricate engraving of the Lily of the Valley, Her Majesty’s favourite flowers, and the proud depiction of Thistle of Scotland.
Given the significance of this masterpiece, the whisky was selected from a single oloroso sherry seasoned French oak butt filled in 1953, the year of the Queen’s coronation. Exhibiting the excellence and unmatched ageing potential of The Glen Grant whiskies, The Glen Grant Devotion boasts a robust 55.5% alcohol by volume. A deep chestnut hue entwines the whisky, perfumed by a pronounced floral aroma that reveals notes of intense barley sugar, ripe peach, and a lingering honey sweetness. The palate is entranced by opulent dried fruits, raisins, sultanas, dry spice, and a subtle oak undertone.
Late September this year, The Glen Grant and Sotheby’s revealed the successful sale of The Glen Grant Devotion Decanter Number One, fetching £81,250 (US$101,300). The entirety of the auction proceeds will be contributed to the Royal Scottish Forestry Society, aiding the conservation of local woodlands in the Speyside region.
Speaking on behalf of the Royal Scottish Forestry Society, President Wilma Harper said: “We are absolutely delighted at the success of the auction. The funds will be used to create a new native woodland on the burn beside the Glen Grant distillery, creating a direct link back to the 1876 passion of James “The Major” Grant in protecting the banks of the Back Burn and sustaining the quality of its water. We are grateful to The Glen Grant for this support for our Society, of which Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was the patron, in its continuing work nurturing future generations of foresters, passing knowledge and craftsmanship on to future generations.”