Gordon & MacPhail Glen Grant 1948 “Coronation Edition” 74 Year Old – First-Fill Sherry Butt Single Cask (50.4% ABV)

Gordon & MacPhail Glen Grant 1948 Coronation Edition (74 Years) is a once-in-a-lifetime Speyside whisky—ethereal, deeply layered, and historically significant. After nearly three-quarters of a century in a first-fill sherry cask, it reveals mulled berries, festive spice, citrus zest, and polished oak, all delivered with astonishing vibrancy. This is not just an ultra-aged whisky—it is a time capsule of post-war Scotch, elevated to museum-level rarity.

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Origins & Craftsmanship

Distilled in 1948 at Glen Grant Distillery, the same year as the birth of King Charles III, this whisky was laid down by Gordon & MacPhail and matured under their stewardship for 74 years.

Key production details:

• Distilled: 10 April 1948
• Bottled: 15 December 2022 (74 years later, aligned with the King’s christening anniversary)
• Age: 74 years
• Cask: First-fill sherry butt (cask #1365)
• Strength: 50.4% ABV (remarkably high after such long aging)
• Outturn: 281 bottles worldwide

This whisky represents a vanishing era:

👉 Distilled in post-war Scotland, when production styles were subtly different
👉 Matured in European oak sherry cask, driving immense depth
👉 Managed for decades by one of the most respected long-aging specialists in Scotch

The Coronation Edition was released to commemorate the ascension of King Charles III, adding a layer of historical and cultural significance.

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What Makes This Whisky Extraordinary

• 74-year age statement → among the oldest whiskies ever bottled
• First-fill sherry cask → maximum richness and structure
• Single cask (#1365) → completely unique
• Only 281 bottles → extreme rarity

👉 This is firmly in the realm of museum-grade, investment-level whisky

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Critics & Community Perspective

• Whiskybase – ~94/100 average

Official and independent tasting notes consistently highlight:

• Festive spice, mulled berries, and dried fruit richness
• A rare combination of maturity and freshness
• Exceptional balance despite extreme age

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Tasting Profile

Nose
Fragrant and complex with mulled berries, raisin, lemon zest, and demerara sugar, alongside subtle beeswax polish.

Palate
Elegant and layered with red apple, bitter orange, milk chocolate, spice, and fresh herbal notes.

Finish
Long and evolving with grapefruit, mature oak, and lingering spice.

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Quick Overview

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Serving & Occasion

Best Use Cases:

• Collector acquisition
• Ultra-premium gifting
• Private tastings and milestone events
• Investment-grade whisky

Serving Tip:
Serve neat in a tulip glass. A few drops of water may open additional citrus and spice layers—but restraint is essential.