Everything you need to know about Glen Grant Distillery

A brief History

Glen Grant, Speyside Region, Scotland. Founded in 1840.

A Speyside Legend with Italian Flair

Glen Grant isn’t just another Speyside distillery—it’s one with a story, a garden, and a surprisingly Italian twist. Founded in 1840 by brothers James and John Grant in the town of Rothes, Glen Grant was ahead of its time. It was the first distillery to use electric light and the first to bring in tall slender stills with purifiers—still part of what makes its whisky so crisp and light today.

But what really makes Glen Grant stand out? A fellow named Major James Grant. A real character. He loved cars, travel, and modern ideas, and he transformed the place in the late 1800s. Even built a stunning Victorian garden next to the distillery (which, by the way, you can still walk through today).

These days, Glen Grant is owned by Italian drinks giant Campari, and it’s one of the top-selling single malts in Italy—go figure! But that doesn’t mean it’s only for continental sipping. If you like your whisky elegant, clean, and fruity, this one’s for you.

Explore all Speyside Whisky

Flavour Profile:


Fruity	Herbal / Grassy	Sweet

Glen Grant is known for its fresh, orchard-fruit style. It’s light-bodied, gentle, and very approachable—even for beginners. Expect flavours of pear drops, honeyed malt, lemon zest, and soft grassy undertones. Not peaty, not spicy—just clean, easygoing Speyside character.

Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients

	Citrus (Lemon / Orange Zest)
	Apple / Pear
	Honey
	Vanilla

Notable Bottles from Glen Grant

Glen Grant 10 Year Old – A fan favourite. Light, fruity, with subtle oak. Very easy to drink.
Glen Grant 12 Year Old – Adds a bit more depth and complexity. Notes of almonds and baking spice.
Glen Grant 15 Year Old Batch Strength – Bolder and more intense. A favourite among enthusiasts.
Glen Grant 18 Year Old – Elegant, refined, and polished. One of the best-value older age statements on the market.

Glen Grant Whisky Exploration No 1 Rum Cask Finish

The Distillery

The Distiller: Glen Grant Distillery
Address: Rothes, Aberlour, Moray, AB38 7BS, Scotland

Open in maps

theglengrant.com

+44 (0)1651 873450

Visitor Centre

Yes, Glen Grant has a lovely visitor centre and a unique feature: the Victorian Garden planted by Major Grant himself. You can wander the garden, visit the tasting room, and take a guided tour.

Opening Times (may vary seasonally):

Monday to Friday: 10am – 5pm
Weekends: Check in advance (often closed in winter months)

It’s always best to book ahead or check seasonal schedules.

Ownership & History

Current Owner:

Campari Group (since 2006)

Previous Ownership Timeline:

Founded by James & John Grant in 1840
Passed to Major James Grant
Part of The Glenlivet Distillers (1950s)
Merged into Seagram, then Chivas Brothers (1980s)
Sold to Campari Group (2006)

Glen Grant’s combination of history, innovation, and Mediterranean popularity makes it a bit of an oddball in the best way possible.

Distillery Facts

Overview & History

Glen Grant Distillery is located in Rothes, Speyside, and was founded in 1840 by brothers John and James Grant.

The distillery became especially influential under James “The Major” Grant, who modernised operations and introduced innovations including taller stills and purifiers designed to create a lighter spirit style.

Glen Grant developed a particularly strong reputation in international export markets, especially Italy, where it became one of the country’s best-selling single malts.

Today, the distillery is owned by Campari Group.

Production

Spirit Type: Single malt Scotch whisky
Region: Speyside
Stills: Tall copper pot stills with purifiers
Water Source: Caperdonich Well
Cask Policy: Primarily ex-bourbon maturation

The tall stills and purifier system contribute to a clean, delicate spirit style.

Whisky Style

Glen Grant whisky typically shows:

Light-bodied texture
Orchard fruit and pear notes
Floral and grassy character
Vanilla sweetness
Clean, crisp finish

The style is elegant and highly approachable.

Key Expressions

Glen Grant 10 Year Old – Core flagship expression
Glen Grant 12 Year Old
Glen Grant 15 Year Old
Glen Grant 18 Year Old
Rare vintage and older age-stated releases

Older expressions often show greater honeyed and nutty complexity.

Significance

Glen Grant is one of the defining examples of the lighter Speyside whisky style, shaped heavily by its distinctive still design.

Its long-standing international popularity, especially in Italy, helped establish single malt Scotch whisky in overseas markets well before the modern global whisky boom.