Grant's Family Reserve

Barely drinkable

Best value for price and flavor. Needs a tad of water to make it bloom. My everyday blended scotch.

I spotted this bottom shelf, blended scotch at my local liquor store while browsing for something new. I remembered that the U.K. only Ailsa Bay whisky I tried recently was a primary supplier for Grant's Family Reserve, so I figured I'd buy a cheap blend that I felt I was already a bit familiar with. Plus, for $19, worst case scenario is that I had a bottle for when I wanted a scotch & soda. The scotch & soda craving hit me tonight, so what the hell, I might as well pour a dram and give it a review neat, too. It's a standard 80 proof and looks very thin in the Glencairn. It produces no legs when giving it a spin. On the nose there's a very faint oak and a bit of honey sweetness. There isn't much happening on the tongue, either. Weak oak tannins and muted vanilla. There's no kick whatsoever, and it finishes really boring. A tad flash of warmth that washes away quickly. In soda, it really curbs the bitterness of Coke and makes a very sweet cocktail. It'll get ya drunk, but that's about it. I can't recommend it neat or in your cola of choice. Very bland. Look elsewhere, my friends. Cheers.