The chemistry part of the whisky making process is incredibly fascinating… and incredibly complex. Unfortunately, I am always a bit lost when the interaction between the molecules in the air, metal, wood and spirit is being explained in detail. But maybe Grant’s Elementary Range can help me out here. While these three travel retail exclusives were originally launched in early 2016, I only found out about them recently at the latest iteration of BorderShop Whisky Festival. Designed by the company’s master blender Brian Kinsman, who is a trained chemist, each member of the trio focuses on a specific chemical element that plays a key role in the making of a fine whisky. Carbon 6 Year Old is all about char, which resides on position six in the periodic table. Distilleries char the interior of their casks to various degrees in order to filter out stinging flavors and soften up the spirit. Thanks to its full maturation in heavily charred oak barrels, this young blend of unpeated and peated malt whiskies as well as grain whiskies is particularly smooth and round – an enjoyable everyday sip for all drammers looking for an affordable bottle with a cool story, stylish design and just a tad of smokiness added to the mix.

by Tobi

Eye: Somewhere between gold and bronze.
Nose: A pleasing nose with honey, dough and red apples. Also some mushy quinces. The smoke, if there at all, is very thin and fleeting… like the fume rising up fron a sizzling twig.
Palate: Initially, brown sugar. Then a bit of wood and stewed fruits. Some vanilla. Light, mellow and easily accessible, this is not a dram that puts knots into the gyri of your brain. But it is one that is good fun and goes down very smoothly.
Finish: The finish, which is characterized mostly by beeswax and woodsmoke, is not too long. But that ain’t too bad at all. Given how savory and inviting this blended whisky is, you will have your next sip right after the previous one has faded.

Type: Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Region: Scotland (No specific region)
Age: 6 Years
Alc. volume: 40%
Bottle size: 0.7 litres
Price range: ~28.00 Euro
More info: http://www.grantswhisky.com/ (Blender)