The Girvan Patent Still Proof Strength

An upscale Single Grain Whisky from the famous Girvan Distillery.

Built in 1963 the Girvan Distillery is a silent work horse. William Grant & Sons owns the South Ayrshire, Scotland, distillery. Somewhat famously, the distillery was built in a hurry due to a quarrel between William Grant & Sons and a supplier — Distillers Company Limited (DCL). From ground break to production took a short nine months. They produce several Single Malt, Grain, and Blended Whiskies there in addition to Hendrick’s Gins. The fabulous Spirits shine even though the distillery flies under the radar of the industry press.

There are four Single Grain Spirits in Girvan’s portfolio. The Girvan Patent Still Proof Strength is the mighty strong-man of the set. This dram clocks in at 57.1% ABV. It has been aged in ex-Bourbon casks, and those casks do their work well — yielding powerful notes of vanilla, orange zest, and cinnamon to the flavor profile. It’s obvious that the folks at Girvan have something here, and they recognize it by treating it like a Single Malt with brilliant upscale package.