Proper No. Twelve's New Single Malt Irish Whiskey Far Exceeds Its Core Expression

Almost a year ago, scotch distillery the Glen Grant announced the launch of a new 30-year-old single malt, part of the Glasshouse Collection and the oldest whisky in its core lineup to date. That whisky is finally available here in the U.S., and it's one worth seeking out whether you're a longtime fan of this nearly 200-year-old distillery or just a scotch whisky aficionado looking to try something new.

Brothers James and John Grant founded the Glen Grant in 1840 in the heart of Speyside. Thirty-two years later, John's nephew James 'the Major' Grant took over and really set the course that the distillery would take over the ensuing decades. One of his contributions was to build a Victorian-inspired glasshouse and gardens in 1886 to grow the flowers and plants he collected during his travels across the globe. The Glasshouse Collection is named after that and is composed of three high-age-statement whiskies -- 21, 25, and 30-year-old single malts -- each of which is supposed to be inspired by a time of day from morning to night.

The Glasshouse Collection was also the last project that esteemed master distiller Dennis Malcolm OBE worked on before his retirement in 2024 after 60 years in the industry. He was replaced by Greig Stables, who worked with Malcolm for almost two decades before his departure. "As I become master distiller, I carry with me the lessons learned and the guiding vision imparted on this journey," said Stables in a statement. "I'm honored to lead the Glen Grant into this new chapter and am excited and enthused for what is to come. Now as we introduce these rare and aged whiskies, I am thrilled we can showcase how exceptionally the Glen Grant spirit ages over time, maintaining its character and integrity."

The Glen Grant 30-Year-Old was matured in a combination of American oak ex-bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry casks before being married together and bottled with natural color and no chill filtration at 48 percent ABV. According to the official tasting notes, the palate starts off with oak, hints of nectarine, honey, dried fruit, and demerara sugar, followed by a sweet and fruity finish that lingers for a bit after you sip. This is not just the oldest but also the most expensive whisky in the Glasshouse Collection at $3,000 per bottle, so potential buyers should contact Campari's private client service if interested in purchasing a bottle ([email protected]). The rest of the Glen Grant collection, including the 21-year-old (the youngest member of the Glasshouse Collection), is available now at websites like ReserveBar.