William Grant's The Family Reserve

Tasted in Whisky Magazine Issue 9 by Michael Jackson and Paul Pacult.

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Tasting Notes

Michael Jackson Nose Light peat. Heather-honey. Orange blossom. Palate Delicate. Camomile. Apples, pears. A hint of oatmeal. Grainy. Finish Burnt grass. Dry. Comment I have always felt this blend to lack dimension but, as it warmed in the glass, more flavours emerged, especially heathery-peaty elements. Also a more honeyed, malty fullness.

Paul Pacult Nose I've always admired this biscuity, cake batter, honeyed, grainy bouquet. Palate Another blend with the word Speyside branded into it, especially in the feline dry, and smooth-as-glass palate entry. Toasted cereal, sweet malt, light caramel, vanilla extract, and almonds abound. Medium-bodied. Finish It excels in the aftertaste where the silky toasted cereal taste turns a bit fiery (love that), resin-like, and oily in the throat. Comment This blend has stayed at a very high level for the decade I've been sampling it. This time around I noticed the Balvenie presence more than in the past. Very nice job here.