Grant’s 100° Proof Superior Strength 1lt

A vintage high-strength blend from the 1980s-1990s, bottled at 50% ABV in the 1 Litre Travel Retail format for enhanced richness.

At-a-Glance:

Distillery: William Grant & Sons / Scotland

Category: Blended Scotch Whisky

Bottled circa 1980s-1990s

ABV & Size(s): 100 US Proof (50% ABV) / 1 Litre (100cl)

Cask / Treatment: Marriage of single malt and grain whiskies

Natural Colour: Not stated by the producer

Non-Chill-Filtered: Not stated by the producer

Cask Strength: No

Intended channel: Travel Retail (TR) / Specific Export Markets

Packaging: Standard glass bottle, often labelled "Superior Strength"

Notes on discrepancies: 100 US Proof is equivalent to 50% ABV.

1. Historical Context

Grant's is one of the world's most recognised family-owned blended Scotch brands, with a heritage stretching back to 1887 under William Grant & Sons. This 100 Proof Superior Strength bottling is a product of the late 20th century (likely 1980s-1990s) and reflects a popular industry trend: producing higher-strength variants of core blends exclusively for the Travel Retail (TR) and high-proof export markets.

The decision to bottle at 100 US Proof (50% ABV) instead of the domestic 40% ABV was strategic. This elevated strength provides a significantly more robust, rich, and intense experience of the standard blend, a quality highly valued by consumers seeking maximum flavour retention, particularly in the duty-free environment. The 1 Litre size further confirms its origins as a Travel Retail exclusive.

The Grant's blend relies heavily on malt components from William Grant & Sons' own distilleries, such as Glenfiddich, giving it a distinctive house character that is generally fruity and light, though intensified by the 50% ABV. This specific bottling is a tangible piece of pre-millennium Travel Retail history, demonstrating the brand's willingness to cater to consumers who prefer a more powerful expression of their classic blend.

2. Technical Specification & Variant Map

The Grant's 100 Proof is technically defined by its adherence to the specific high-proof requirement of certain export markets.

2.1 Documented variants (verified)

The core specifications for this vintage Travel Retail offering are clear:

• Strength: 100 US Proof (50% ABV). This designation is the central value proposition of the bottling.
• Volume: 1 Litre (100cl). The large volume is a hallmark of Travel Retail.
• Market: Travel Retail and high-proof export markets.
• Composition: Blend of malt whisky (likely from Glenfiddich and The Balvenie) and aged grain whiskies.

Variant Matrix:

2.2 Packaging & authenticity checklist

• Labelling Cues: The label must prominently display "100 Proof" and "Superior Strength." The 1 Litre size is a key verification marker.
• Closure: Typically a standard screwcap for high-volume blends.
• Condition Note: A high fill level is necessary to validate that the full 1 Litre of high-strength liquid remains intact, particularly given the age and closure type. The outer packaging is often a simple box or tube.

2.3 Regulatory/terminology notes

The liquid is legally defined as Blended Scotch Whisky. The liquid is a combination of single malt and grain whisky, with the single malt component sourced from the William Grant & Sons distillery portfolio. The high 50% ABV is classified as "Superior Strength."

3. Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)

The tasting profile benefits significantly from the elevated 50% ABV, delivering a rich, enhanced experience of the standard Grant's blend.

Nose: A rich base of barley malt, vanilla, and toffee is present. The nose is further lifted by notes of apples, pears, and orange peel, moving toward dessert-like aromas of banana pudding and biscuits. Subtler tones include white pepper, hay, and distinct oak notes.

Palate: The arrival is slightly alcoholic, providing a noticeable richness. Flavours include sweet cereal flakes, vanilla, and honey. Dessert notes continue with banana cake and baked apples, all complemented by a light dusting of sugar and a pinch of pepper. The mouthfeel is generally described as smooth and rich.

Finish: Medium long. The conclusion is persistent with notes of caramel, vanilla, and sweet cereal, followed by stewed fruit, oak, and a lingering pinch of pepper.

With water: Not stated by the producer.

4. Distillery/Bottler Snapshot

William Grant & Sons, founded in 1887, is one of the few large Scottish distillers that remains fiercely independent and family-owned. The company is known for its vertical integration, owning significant single malt distilleries (Glenfiddich, The Balvenie) whose malts form the backbone of the Grant's blended Scotch brand. The house style is focused on approachability, smoothness, and a consistent level of quality, with the 100 Proof variant providing a powerful, yet balanced, expression of this legacy.

6. Sourcing:

• Target formats/eras to prefer: Exclusively the 1 Litre, 100 Proof (50% ABV) bottling for volume and superior liquid strength.
• Red flags: Bottles lacking the "100 Proof" designation are the standard 40% ABV and should be avoided.
• Condition thresholds (fill/box): High fill level is important given the old screwcap closure. Original packaging is a bonus but not critical.
• Margin/velocity expectations (qualitative): High velocity expected due to low price point. Margin is moderate based on the 40.00 GBP retail ceiling.