In the small town of Rothes, deep in Scotland’s Speyside, a distillery with nearly two centuries of history has chosen this moment to chart a new course. The Glen Grant Exploration No. 1 is the first release in a limited-edition series that will arrive every other year, each expression finished in a different style of cask sourced from across the globe. The inaugural whisky carries the spirit of adventure—literally—through a rum cask finish that heightens the fruity backbone for which Glen Grant is revered.
The series, appropriately titled Exploration, nods to the legacy of James “The Major” Grant, the eccentric founder who was as famous for his taste in far-flung expeditions as he was for his architectural still designs. The distillery says each release will reflect The Major’s wanderlust, reshaping Speyside tradition through flavors discovered abroad.
Craft and Character
Exploration No. 1 begins life in the same way as the distillery’s classic single malts: distilled in Glen Grant’s custom stills fitted with tall purifiers, engineered generations ago to yield a light, fruit-forward spirit. The Scotch is then matured in ex-bourbon casks within traditional stone dunnage warehouses before being transferred into hand-selected rum casks. The secondary maturation adds layers of tropical sweetness without obscuring the house style.
Bottled on-site at 48% ABV, Exploration No. 1 presents in the glass with a bright amber hue reminiscent of Caribbean sunlight. The nose reveals berries, oranges, and ripe banana, followed by a palate alive with warming spice, vanilla vibrancy, and tropical fruit. The finish stretches long and creamy, punctuated by a final flicker of fresh pineapple.
The Master Distiller’s Vision
“Each release in the Exploration Series is an opportunity for us to experiment,” explains Greig Stables, Master Distiller at The Glen Grant. “Exploration No. 1 is a vivid expression that amplifies our fruity house style through the depth and richness of rum casks. It’s best enjoyed neat or with just a splash of water.”
Stables admits that his own fascination with aged rums helped guide the decision: “In recent years, I’ve come to admire just how layered and complex rum can be. That experience inspired us to see how it might interact with our whisky, and what we found was amplification—the rum finish brings a vibrancy and tropicality that feels true to The Glen Grant’s character.”
Availability and Price
The Glen Grant Exploration No. 1 will be available globally beginning this month, following an initial release across Asia-Pacific travel retail. Suggested retail price is $120 USD. Each bottle represents not just a whisky but the start of a journey—one that will unfold every other year as the distillery explores new cask finishes drawn from traditions around the world.
For more information, visit the official website.
