Grant's launched its 12 year old blended Scotch whisky in Malaysia on 30 November 2011 in conjunction with the celebration of St.Andrew's Day, Scotland's National Day. The launch was held in Hotel Equatorial Kuala Lumpur, attended by corporate guests, media and bloggers as well as members of the Selangor St.Andrew's Society (SSAS).
For the uninitiated, you may know William Grant & Sons better as the producers of Hendricks Gin, Glenfiddich single malt whisky and The Balvenie single malts.
"Grant's 12 year old blended whisky is a masterful blend of the finest single malt and single grain whiskies, each matured in oak casks for a minimum of 12 years. The blend is then finished in first-fill American whiskey casks for a further 3 months for extra flavour and to allow the individual tastes to blend together and create a full-bodied Scotch of exceptional richness."
Before the launch, members of the media and bloggers attended a tasting & nosing session. The tasting session was conducted by Grant's Global Brand Ambassador Mr Ludovic Ducrocq (a man very passionate about whisky) after a short welcome speech from Marketing Manager for SouthEast Asia, Mr. Bernard Jugnet. Though I am not much of a whisky drinker, it was certainly interesting to learn the history and story behind Grant's whisky.
Grant's is Scotland's oldest family-owned blenders and is now ranked third most successful blended whisky brand in the world. Grant's 12 year old blended whisky leans toward the Speyside style of whisky. It has been awarded the 'Gold Medal' for both 2010 Scotch Whisky Masters and the 2010 International Wine & Spirit Competition.
Mr.Scotsman and a bottle of Grant's 12 year old Blended Scotch Whisky
Constituent sample of Grant's 12 year old
During the tasting, we were each given 6 samples to test -- 5 glasses being part constituents that make up the whisky and the last glass is the Grant's 12 year old blended whisky. The first one from Girvan we tried had an alcohol content of 69.2%! For nosing purposes, we were advised to reduce (by adding water) to 25% - 30%. We also tried different constituents from Speyside, Highlands and Isla -- all matured in different types of cask.
The Grant's 12 year old whisky has these following characters:
Nose: Rich and complex with vibrant notes of vanilla, candied fruits and spices
Taste: Deep vanilla with a cinnamon bite
Finish: Hints of warm smoke and silky rich honey.
A member of the press asked Mr.Ludovic which types of food goes best with whisky -- sushi, sashimi, chocolate, cheese will go well with Speyside and sherry whisky.
Grant's Global Brand Ambassador and Marketing Manager for SouthEast Asia.
The iconic triangular bottle of blended whisky created by Grant's -- Stand Fast.
Girvan Distillery in South West of Scotland -- where it all started.
Malaysia is the first Asian country to introduce this whisky to its market. Grant's chose to launch it on St Andrews Day in KL. "It is a fitting ocassion as Grant's heritage r! eflects the fine traditions of the best that Scotland can offer -- a sophisticated, intelligent choice for consumers who know their Scotch." Most of the people I spoke to that night commented that they enjoyed the Grant's 12 whisky very much, in fact we spotted a gentleman purchasing more than several bottles home.
Valiantrade (M) Sdn Bhd is the sole local distributor for Grant's 12 year old in Malaysia.
Grant's 12 year old blended whisky -- rich, honeyed and fruity with a touch of smoke
Some of the members of the Selangor's St.Andrew's Society
Entertainment included Scottish performance of bagpipes, drums and dances by the KL Pipes and Drums (KLPD)
Mr. Bernard Jugnet in his kilt
Full set of photos available to view here.
Mr. Ludovic Ducrocq
More bagpipe performances and food included haggis, and a delectable roast lamb.
Malaysia's very own Grant's brand ambassador?
Scottish flag, Scotsman in his kilt and a glass of whisky = the perfect picture.
Full set of photos available to view here.
