This November, William Grant & Sons is set to release its fourth expression for The Girvan Patent Still Single Grain Scotch whisky. This very special Proof Strength (ABV: 51.7%) edition harks back to a time when gunpowder would be doused with a spirit and if successfully ignited, the ‘Proof’ of the spirits quality was confirmed – gunpowder ignites at 57.1% alcohol strength.

Launched initially in the UK in time for Christmas, the edition is aimed at the whisky enthusiast looking to experiment. The Girvan Patent Still Proof Strength shows off the variety and versatility of single grain Scotch and brings exciting news to the world of whisky.

This limited edition 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.

Packaging remains sleek and elegant. The slender bottle has a light, sophisticated feel to it and is available in a rigid box with a ‘picture frame’ to show off bottle and a metal badge on the side panels for a truly premium finish.

The release follows in the success of The Girvan Patent Still 25 Year Old, 30 Year Old and No. 4 Apps Single Grain whisky. It will be available in the UK initially plus additional markets in Europe, US and Asia in 2015.

Kevin Abrook, Global Whisky Specialist at William Grant & Sons commented; “We’re thrilled to release a proof strength expression for whisky enthusiasts looking for something different – a vibrant, punchy single grain whisky with a surprisingly light aftertaste. The release demonstrates our commitment to quality and just how versatile single grain whiskies can be”.

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.

The Girvan Patent Still continuous distillation method takes the finest cereal grains to produce a pure, fruity and clean-tasting grain spirit, which is lighter in aroma and character than most malt whiskies. It is then matured in first-fill American White Oak, which adds flavour, character, colour and complexity. Time mellows the whisky, amplifies the aroma and enriches the taste. Characterised by vanilla, toffee, honey and caramelised fruit notes, the whisky delivers a taste that truly reflects William Grant & Sons’ pioneering distillation heritage.

Tasting notes

Colour - Light Gold

On the nose - A crisp, zesty and lively aroma. With a dash of water the soft, fruity grain notes develop.

Taste - Punchy on the palette with an unexpectedly light aftertaste, leaving a lingering sweet vanilla creaminess.

The Girvan Patent Still – Proof Strength will be available at whisky specialists in the UK from November 2014. ABV 51.7% RRP £75

Also in the range:

The Girvan Patent Still No. 4 Apps £45 ABV 42% is the first, non-age statement whisky to be released by the brand. The name ‘Apps’ is a distillery term for ‘Apparatus’; No.4 Apps has been producing unique ‘vacuum distilled’ spirit since 1992.  This results in a whisky deliciously light and fruity in character, with notes of candied fruit and cream it has a subtle flavour with a lovely balance of oak and crisp fruit.

The Girvan Patent Still 30 Year Old £375 ABV 42% is the oldest and most luxurious expression launched to date having been laid to rest for 30 years in first fill American Oak barrels.  Aimed at true aficionados the expression has a rich, deep, honey, candied orange and toffee fudge flavour.  With rich tannin notes and a silky mouth coating, its flavour evolves over time revealing tropical fruits, banana, zesty notes and woody spice.

Original source: Company Release