Girvan Patent Still Grain Scotch Whisky Gets Proof Upgrade

Earlier this year Scottish whisky outfit William Grant & Sons turned to its Lowland grain whisky distillery Girvan to create two new single grain bottlings that were produced under what’s known as the Girvan Patent Still Process. It is now going down that road again, unveiling a “proof strength” expression for those looking to experiment.

Girvan Patent Still Proof Strength was bottled at a healthy 51.7% ABV and is a limited edition release. As to what exactly the Girvan Patent Still Process is, according to those behind it,

the original Girvan Patent Still, known affectionately as “No 1 Apps”, a distillery term for apparatus, was built in 1963 under the stewardship of Charles Gordon, a whisky production pioneer and the great-grandson of William Grant. It was the most advanced distillery in the world at the time. Further innovation led in 1992 to Charles pioneering ‘vacuum distillation’ with the introduction of ‘No.4 Apps’. This distillation at lower temperatures, results in a very pure, clean-tasting grain spirit that balances perfectly with the vanilla notes from our American white oak casks during maturation.

What’s resulted from this fourth release in this line up is described below in tasting notes from the distillery. Expect it to show up in retail in time for Christmas.

This… release has a surprisingly mellow taste profile for a higher strength variant – in line with the deliciously different profile of the brand. The extra strength brings out the vibrant, zesty notes of the whisky; giving it an extra intensity of flavour. Punchy on the palette with an unexpectedly light aftertaste, the whisky has a lingering sweet vanilla creaminess.