A Regal Pour: The Glen Grant Distillery Unveils 70-Year-Old Tribute to the Queen
The Glen Grant distillery has unveiled its oldest-ever release, a 70-year-old single malt named Devotion. Crafted as a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign, this whisky is an artisanal marvel, years in the making.
Distilled from a single French oak butt seasoned with oloroso sherry since 1953, Devotion offers floral aromas of intense barley and ripe peach, complemented by rich flavors of dried fruit, raisins, and sultanas on the palate.
Bottled at a robust 55.5% ABV, the masterpiece was realized through the collaborative efforts of Master Distiller Dennis Malcolm OBE, designer John Galvin, and hot glass master Brodie Nairn of Glasstorm.
Limited to just seven hand-blown, one-of-a-kind decanters, each is a gem-shaped objet d’art featuring seven facets to honor each decade of the Queen’s reign. The first decanter will be auctioned by Sotheby’s from September 11 to 22, with all proceeds benefiting the Royal Scottish Forestry Society.
Reflecting on the release, Malcolm stated, “This whiskey encapsulates The Glen Grant’s rich legacy and the Queen’s enduring devotion. It represents unwavering loyalty and love—qualities that define both our whiskey-making ethos and our esteemed collaborators. It’s a lifetime of character captured in a singular creation, unlike anything we’ve ever done.”
The seven decanters will be available in select global markets starting October 2023, each symbolized by a different flower:
- Singapore (Orchid)
- Hong Kong (Daffodil)
- US (Daisy and Clematis)
- China (Begonia)
- Japan (Stephanotis)
- UK (Rose)
Jonny Fowle, Global Head of Spirits at Sotheby’s, added, “This whiskey embodies the pillars of collectible whiskey: quality, rarity, age, and impeccable provenance. Its deep, dark color from seven decades in oak contrasts elegantly with John Galvin’s light wood structure, making it a crown jewel for any whiskey collection.”
