William Grant 15 Year Old Heritage Reserve (1990s Edition)
70cl / 43%
£59.00
- Cask type: Oak
- Malt type: Blended
- Region: Scotland
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A high-quality, age-stated blend from the mid-1990s, showcasing the malt pedigree of the Grant’s family distilleries.
At-a-Glance
This 15 Year Old expression was a strategic move by William Grant & Sons (WG&S) to establish a foothold in the increasingly premium blended market during the 1990s, utilizing extensive stocks of aged components.
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | William Grant & Sons / Scotland |
| Category | Blended Scotch Whisky |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | 15 Years Old / Mid-to-late 1990s Bottling |
| ABV & Size(s) | 40% ABV / 70cl |
| Cask / Treatment | American Oak and Sherry wood components |
| Natural Colour | Not stated by the producer |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Not stated by the producer |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | Standard release (Not applicable) |
| Intended channel | Premium Retail / Specialist Off-Trade |
| Packaging | Standard glass bottle, specific heritage label design |
| Notes on discrepancies | Must be distinguished from later "Family Reserve" or "Legacy" blends. |
Historical Context
The mid-to-late 1990s saw an increased consumer demand for age-stated products, prompting major distillers and blenders to position premium offerings above the standard 12 Year Old expressions. William Grant & Sons responded by launching the 15 Year Old Heritage Reserve. This blend capitalized on the company’s unparalleled access to proprietary stocks, specifically high-quality malt whiskies from Glenfiddich and The Balvenie, alongside aged Girvan grain whisky. The liquid contained within this 1990s bottling was distilled primarily in the early 1980s, an era recognized for robust production.
The current secondary market valuation, placing this 15-year-old blend in the 150–250 GBP range, is notably high, often surpassing the price point of contemporary 15 Year Old single malts. This pricing structure is a direct consequence of the historical pedigree of the liquid components. Because WG&S maintains ownership of premier malt distilleries, collectors correctly perceive that the high-age malt used in this vintage blend is superior in quality and age composition compared to components found in many contemporary premium blends. The market essentially assigns a 'lost liquid' value to these vintage blends, compensating for the high quality and age of the internal proprietary malts that are no longer available in standard blend formats.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
This product is a Blended Scotch Whisky aged for a minimum of 15 years. The blend’s complex flavour profile is managed by utilizing both American Oak (imparting vanilla and sweetness) and Sherry wood components (adding dried fruit and spice notes). The final bottling strength is the legal minimum of 40% ABV.
Documented variants
The critical factor for identification is the explicit "15 Year Old Heritage Reserve" age statement. William Grant & Sons utilizes similar 'Reserve' or 'Heritage' branding across various age statements and non-age-stated (NAS) products, making accurate identification of the age statement paramount to establishing the correct value tier.
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 40% | 70cl | Global | "15 Year Old Heritage Reserve" (1990s label) | Moderate/High |
| 40% | 70cl | Global | "Family Reserve" or "Legacy" (Lower age/NAS) | Low |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
Verification of authenticity hinges on confirming the precise terminology "15 Year Old Heritage Reserve" on the label. Failure to confirm the explicit 15-year age statement risks confusing the bottle with lower-value, non-age-stated, or younger "Family Reserve" or "Legacy" editions. Buyers should also confirm the specific 1990s label design, which helps differentiate this desirable vintage expression from subsequent, potentially reformulated, releases.
Regulatory/terminology notes
The whisky is bottled at 40% ABV, the standard minimum legal strength for Scotch Whisky. It is legally classified as a Blended Scotch Whisky, meaning it contains a mixture of both malt and grain whiskies.
Liquid Profile
The profile is known for its exceptional smoothness and approachability, directly reflecting the quality and age of its constituent malt components.
Nose: Dominated by pleasant notes of vanilla and sweet wood spice, primarily derived from the aged American Oak. The aroma is gently malty and inviting.
Palate: The texture is notably smooth and round, reflecting the 15 years of maturation. Initial sweetness transitions into balanced oak spice, followed by subtle hints of dried fruit, attributable to the Sherry wood components.
Finish: Medium in length, clean, and gentle. It leaves lingering notes of soft vanilla and a malty, clean residue.
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
William Grant & Sons benefits from vertical integration, controlling the production of both malt (e.g., Glenfiddich, Balvenie) and grain (Girvan) whisky. This allows them to maintain exceptional consistency and quality control in their blended portfolio. The company's house style, particularly for premium blends, is characterised by a rich, accessible profile that relies heavily on substantial proportions of high-age malt components from their proprietary distilleries.
Sourcing
Sourcing must concentrate on identifying mid-to-late 1990s releases that distinctly feature the 15-year age statement. The critical red flag is the avoidance of misidentified later editions; the label must unambiguously specify "Heritage Reserve." Condition thresholds require standard good condition, including minimal label wear and a sound fill level. The expected velocity is steady, facilitating reliable, moderate margins in the specialist vintage blend sector.
