Whisky distillation process

Glen Grant

Distillery

Scroll down
to find out
how a real
Single Malt Whisky
is made

Nature

“Nature plays a key role in establishing the true quality of a great Single Malt Whisky”.

Water is fundamental: our incredibly natural spring water comes from the Scottish Highlands and is an essential ingredient in Glen Grant.

Malting & Mashing

The malting process involves soaking the barley in tanks i.e. “steeps” to prepare it for the mashing process. After soaking for the necessary period of time, the barley is spread out on a floor up to a thickness of 20 cm and left to germinate. During this step, the barley “breathes” and is heated to become “malted” barley. Malted barley for Glen Grant has specific characteristics, dry, crispy, crumbly, and aromatic. The next step is “mashing”, i.e. mixing the barley with water to rinse out any impurities and prepare it for distillation.

The distillation process

Unlike some heavier and more robust Single Malts, Glen Grant is crisp, clear, fresh and light. What really distinguishes it from other malts is the unique distillation process. As a first step we use incredibly tall stills, which help ensure only the lightest spirit becomes Glen Grant. Secondly we are the only distillery to use purifiers in both of our distillations. This was an invention of James “The Major” Grant which we still use to this day. This ensure only purest vapour is allowed to pass from the still to the condenser, and therefore creates a fresh, and light whisky.

Ageing

Father time plays a vital role in Whisky maturation. At Glen Grant we are are passionate about the treatment of our casks. We meticulously choose top class Bourbon and Sherry casks, ensuring they are only used a certain number of times. This slow ageing process in top quality oak casks gives Glen Grant its unique colour and decidedly fresh and fruity flavour. All casks are individually hand-picked by Dennis Malcolm, one of 8 illustrious Glen Grant Distillery Managers since 1890.

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