Master distiller Dennis Malcolm on his legacy at The Glen Grant

Following the launch of The Glen Grant’s oldest expression, The Glen Grant Devotion 70-year-old, we find out from master distiller Dennis Malcolm OBE how he keeps his passion for creating malts alive

Master distiller Dennis Malcolm OBE’s life has always revolved around whisky—this isn’t surprising as he was born right on the grounds of The Glen Grant Distillery.

Founded in 1839, The Glen Grant distillery is a Scotch whisky icon, being among the largest and oldest distilleries in Speyside. Founded by brothers John and James Grant in Rothes, Speyside, the distillery has a long history in the whisky industry and is known for producing beautifully light, floral and fruity single malts. Today, the distillery maintains its reputation for producing high-quality whiskies—and it’s thanks to Malcolm.

Tatler Singapore met the longest-serving master distiller on a trip across the globe earlier this year, when we got to witness the unveiling of the distillery’s latest and oldest expression since its founding: The Glen Grant Devotion 70-year-old.

Above Devotion: The 70-year-old masterpiece whisky

The latest expression commemorates the late Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years of committed service to her people and her unwavering devotion to nature. Malcolm shared that while her passing had left him sad, it also inspired him to do something to honour her. “The Queen had been on [the throne] all my life,” he says. And what better way to honour her than with the Devotion 70-year-old.

The exquisite single malt had been handpicked by Malcolm for its “lifetime of character”. Just 7 bottles are available, and each decanter holds a deep chestnut-hued liquid, a result of spending seven decades in a single French oak butt seasoned with Oloroso Sherry. Mature and complex, the malt offers aromas of barley sugar, ripe peach and honey. On the palate, it’s exquisite and rich with characters of dried fruit, dry spice and oak.

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Growing up on the grounds

We met on the distillery grounds as Malcolm pointed out the house he was born in. He continues to share that his childhood would be spent playing in the distillery’s gardens.

Growing up, whisky could always be found around the house. He adds that he would mix whisky, sugar and hot water together and drink it when he had the cold. “Of course it works,” he excitedly tells us.

Remembering his first sip of whisky, he recalls having difficulty liking it due to its “very distinctive, pungent taste”. However, he began enjoying the malt once he learnt to savour it.

Above Malcolm began his career at the young age of 15

Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, who both worked for the distillery, Malcolm began his career in the industry at the tender age of 15. Intrigued about casks and their creation process, he began as a cooper.

“There was an unwritten sort of code [as a cooper] that when you make a cask, you have to attach your mark on it. And believe me that mark will stay with you for the rest of your life,” he shares. Throughout his time as a cooper, his passion continued growing which led him to become a manager on the production floor.

Above Malcolm has worked at the distillery for over six decades

Continuing the legacy

Working at the 180-year-old distillery for over 60 years, Malcolm knows every corner of the grounds with even his eyes closed. He explains: “[The Glen Grant and the industry] has changed dramatically since I worked here and it’s all for the better.” He adds that over the years, the industry has begun prioritising health and safety, and putting systems in place with computers that can do multiple checks more accurately than humans.

While many things have changed since he first started, one thing has stayed constant: the process of making the whisky.

In the 1880s, The Glen Grant began using a purifier while distilling whisky. One of the first to do so, this innovation allowed only the finest vapours to condense into the spirit. A process unique to The Glen Grant, the process results in a light yet complex spirit. Today, the distillery continues to use the same process of distillation to produce its malts.

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For Malcolm, picking his favourite whisky is like asking someone to “pick their favourite child”. Of course, the 70-year-old is one of the most memorable. An “amazing find” after 70 years, the whisky offers all the “characteristics of Glen Grant”.

Having seen the distillery through multiple chapters, Malcolm adds how he hopes to continue growing the brand. “Glen Grant is always moving forward… and knowing the quality of Glen Grant, I can’t see us standing still,” he says.

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The Glen Grant The Glen Grant Devotion 70-year-old Dennis Malcolm Master Distiller Whisky

Tatler Asia

Master distiller Dennis Malcolm on continuing his legacy at The Glen Grant

Growing up on the grounds

Continuing the legacy