Glen Grant 30 Year Old, Douglas Laing Xtra Old Particular

An incredible whisky, whisky of the year for me so far (which doesn’t sound like much as it’s only February but I’ve tasted quite a few already).

Glen Grant Old Particular, 30 years old, 59.1% A⊕⊕

Nose - Flipping heck, this doesn't mess about. Refill hogshead and just 36 bottles! It's absolutely perfect. Deep toffee , polished old furniture and apple wood. This reminds me more of a big old Hanyu than a Scotch; lacquered, an orchard, cherry pipe tobacco, sandalwood. Absolutely, mind-bendingly beautiful. With water… more orange juice, better integrated cask. Still fabulous.

Body – Big, spicy toffee, tart-tatin, chewed oak planks, lemonade, orange slices and tobacco. A touch of acrylic and overheated PCB (in a good way) with water.

Finish - Long, very oily and full of wood polish. Liquorice imps and caraway seeds. Orange juice right at the end too.

This is a gigantic, beautiful and important whisky that swims very well. Quite the masterpiece.