About Idle Moments

Scotch was what first made me fall in love with whisk(e)y, so naturally I had my mind set on finding one for our second release. Out of 50 different barrels I came across, the Glen Grant 23yr stood out as my favorite. Glen Grant has traditionally been the most popular single malt in Italy, the 5yr old to be exact. It never really took off in America and the majority of the malt found here was bottled by brokers or used in the Chivas Regal blends.

One day I was having lunch with Robin Coupar, the Global Whisky Advocate for Grupo Campari (Campari Group acquired the distillery in 2005). He told me of a recent meeting he had had with the Campari CEO where he spent the entire time convincing him it was wise to start buying back their old stock from the brokers. They didn’t have any extra aged whisky to compete with some of their neighbors, Macallan or Balvenie. After lunch, I walked out and called the broker to lock down the cask of Glen Grant 23yr.

Next, it was time to conceptualize the artwork for the barrel. I thought back to my visit at the Glen Grant Distillery a few years prior. The grounds were lush, green, and meticulously manicured. At the time I remember thinking how fitting the surroundings were, as it reminded me of the green-like flavors and aromas I found in the whisky. I wanted an impressionist style painting with a very vibrant and natural feel to it. I came across Kris McKinnon, who happened to be from Edinburgh, Scotland.

Now that I had the whisky and the artist, I needed a title. I kept coming back to “green.” One night, I threw on the album Idle Moments by one of my favorite jazz guitarists, Grant Green. As the album played in the background, it hit me. These spirits are original pieces of art, and sharing them with one another is what creates the memories. “Idle Moments” captured in the glass and in time. Suddenly it all came together.

BOTTLE DETAILS & TASTING NOTES

Aged for twenty-three years at Glen Grant distillery, Idle Moments yielded just 137 bottles. Bottled at a cool 52.4% abv, this non-chill filtered cask strength malt is the complete opposite of its predecessor.

The light golden hue of this Scotch indicates bourbon barrel maturation. Classic Speyside aromas of malt, honey, heather, and white flowers emerge from the glass. As it breathes, visions of Scotland develop in your mind. Picture walking into a lush green garden surrounded by a forest. You’ll pick up scents of the conifer trees surrounding you, the faint smell of the moss lined tree trunks, and the slightly sweet smell of blossoms on the heather bushes in the distance.

The palate is distinctly a Glen Grant, with flavors of green tea, lemon curd, vanilla, and caramel. Smooth and delicate for the proof, it finishes with a malty sweetness that’s clean and persistent. Just like the Grant Green album, Idle Moments, this spirit will appeal to both the novice and the connoisseur alike. Tasteful, elegant, sophisticated, subtle. Something you’ll want all the time.