Virtual masterclasses are giving whisky lovers around the world a chance to enjoy Glen Grant’s latest expression, Arboralis, with the man who created it.
A silver lining for whisky fans during the COVID-19 crisis is the chance to meet Master Distiller Dennis Malcolm via Zoom.
Malcolm has been sharing his pride in the new expression with drinks journalists around the world and is preparing to introduce whisky fans to Arboralis via a virtual tasting through Boozebud.
The first 100 people to purchase a bottle of Arboralis in Australia will receive a kit including samples of the 10-Year-Old and 18-Year-Old Glen Grant whisky. The virtual whisky tasting will then be accessed via an application download inviting people to join Malcolm for the live session on June 4.
“Virtual tastings have given us the opportunity to connect with whisky enthusiasts from all over the world,” Malcolm said. “Usually, we are bound to the visitors to our distillery in Rothes, Scotland. It’s exciting to be able to meet whisky enthusiasts and newcomers to the dram alike from around the world, and define a new way of connection moving forward.”
Drinks Trade recently sat down – virtually – with Malcolm (above) to enjoy the spirit, which is aged in former bourbon and Spanish sherry oak casts that are sheltered by tall, ancient trees that line the Victorian gardens of The Glen Grant Distillery.
“We are very proud of our newest single malt, which we call our very own ‘liquid gold,’” said Malcolm. “It’s particularly exciting to launch the product on the year of our 180th anniversary, to celebrate The Glen Grant’s heritage and inspire future generations of Scotch enthusiasts.”
Malcolm noted that he was thrilled to see so many women taking part in the Australian masterclass.
“Five to 10 years ago our guests at the distillery were predominantly enthusiastic men,” he explained. “Now, we are seeing more and more young women take a keen interest in whisky and due to what I believe is a more refined sense of smell, are able to appreciate more tasting notes than men. At The Glen Grant, we welcome one and all!”
Malcolm said Arboralis is the “perfect entry whisky for those who are keen to learn more and join the category”.
“It’s smoothness, combined with oak and butterscotch taste, are all easy on the palate and newcomers are able to better understand the process of how we make those flavours,” he noted.
The Glen Grant Arboralis is available from liquor retail outlets for RRP $60.99.
