The Whiskey Reviewer A World of Whiskey, Poured Every Weekday
By Father John Rayls
Rating: A-
Grangestone 12 Year Old Single Malt
(Credit: John Rayls)
Grangestone Highland 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky is produced by an independent bottler, reportedly by retailer Total Wine via their in-house operation, Spirits Direct. They certainly do love to push this particular purchase when you happen to ask about it. The sourcing, as is often the case with these things, is a mystery.
The Scotch
This whisky comes in a somewhat traditional bottle, with a truly attractive label which matches perfectly with the liquid’s dark golden/medium copper coloring. The whisky appears to be the exact same color in the glass, and that is very inviting. The legs are readily apparent and mark the glass for a lengthy period.
The nose is lightly floral, with fruity notes and some sweet vanilla and oak, and with no noticeable alcohol burn. It’s a medium nose that is easily picked up.
The whisky produces a wonderful mouthfeel, one that lightly covers the entire mouth with a slight syrupy feel, and yet it’s not oily. The flavor profile is subtle to moderate, with most action in the back of the mouth. The whisky provides flavors of berries, oak, sherry and some sweet vanilla as well. The finish is medium, but turns on some spice and delights the taste buds with some interesting baking spices.
This is a very easy drinking scotch that’s very enjoyable. It’s not real complex, although it does merit some focused attention, but overall is just simply enjoyable for an easy drinking experience. At 80 proof, there’s not much danger of over-consumption, and it is a very low peat experience.
I think this is a great Scotch to give as a gift. It looks impressive, and it has a very interesting flavor profile. At 80 proof, it’s easy for newbies and yet it provides a very interesting experience for long-time whisky consumers. I love finding an excellent “bottom-shelf” experience and this is one of them. I certainly would recommend drinking it neat initially. Don’t hesitate to put your hard earned dollars down on this surprising discovery.
The Price
If you are a financially challenged scotch drinker, this may be the one scotch whisky for you. It retails in the $35.00 range, and provides a substantial “bang for the buck” experience.
This scotch Grangestone 12 reminds me of Glenlivet, a favorite. Suits me to a T.
Fantastic dram!!!
Agree with the above posters, great everyday sipper, mild sherry and spice on the finish, equal or better to Balvenie 12 Double Wood but almost half the price. This can be a great table scotch.
put a little more pleasure in your everyday life..who doesn’t appreciate that!
And if you would like double the great taste of 12 year old try the 18 year old at just about double the price if you can find it.
not bad for the price, was expecting a bit smoother.
Ach, No, Laddie!!! Ye Should-ne be drinkin’ this 12 year old Sheit.” People in Kilts will laugh at you!!!
Come on, People. I’ve accidentally swallowed Radiator Fluid that tasted better. The Grangestone 12 is the BUM WINE of Scotch which goes for $2.50 for a 50ml shooter and $1.98 for a ruined (Rhum or Bourbon Casted) version. Bottom Line: It is too immature at 12 years old and only passable at 18 years old.
The Green Tubed Grangestone 21 years old was my personal favourite and at its original price point of $69.00 was a true bargain!!! It was balanced, had a decent ‘Throw Back’ on the back of the throat and was meant to be drank neat, in an Irish Waterford Chrystal Bourbon Glass. So then what did Grangestone do? They aged it for another 3 years and are now demanding $289.00 for a 750ML bottle…oh, Hell No!!!
I am a Bourbon Drinker and I know my way around Bourbons. Scotch is different—it is a contraption peated/poisoned to taste which is an anathema to us Bonded in Bond, Bourbon Application Freaques. I like my women like I like my Bourbons—absolutely NAKED with a ‘come hither’ look. I know Grant & Sons and they can make decent Scotch when they want to. The GrangeStone brand is like the Costco brand—you can get great stuff (CostCo Gas) or Wretched Stuff (Costco Whole Chicken) so I say Skip the SWILL (12 year old) and go with the grand old ladies!