Spirit of innovation: Meet Greig Stables, The Glen Grant’s new guardian

In the heart of Scotland’s Speyside, where whisky flows like lifeblood, a changing of the guard has taken place at one of the region’s most storied distilleries. In 2024, The Glen Grant – with its 185-year legacy of crafting exceptional single malts – ushered in a new era under the stewardship of Greig Stables, its freshly appointed master distiller.

Stables stepped into the formidable shoes of Dennis Malcolm OBE, whose remarkable 63-year career set a gold standard in the whisky world. When Malcolm passed the torch, all eyes lay on Stables, a man whose own journey through the industry spans more than three decades, with the last 19 years spent honing his craft at The Glen Grant.

“I was born in Keith, right in the heart of the whisky-making area, with distilleries surrounding our home,” Stables shares. “My father and aunt were both part of the industry. Every morning, I’d walk through distillery grounds on my way to school, captivated by the sights and smells. That early exposure sparked my lifelong fascination with the craft of whisky-making,” he adds.

Working alongside Malcolm for 18 years was nothing short of transformative. Reflecting on their mentor-mentee relationship, Stables says: “If I had to sum up the two biggest lessons I’ve learned, it would come down to two words: Quality and People.

“You need to have a quality product and ensure you’re producing it to the highest standards. At the same time, success is impossible without the right team behind you. If you don’t have the right people, no matter how good the product is, you won’t achieve success.”

But Stables is no mere protege. His own innovations and insights have already left an indelible mark on The Glen Grant. As the former distillery director, he oversaw a team of 36, managing every aspect of production from raw material sourcing to the final drop in the bottle. This holistic understanding of the whisky-making process is now his greatest asset as he takes the helm, continuing to guide the distillery in its pursuit of splendour.

A groundbreaking spirit

The Glen Grant’s unique production methods reflect the distillery’s pioneering spirit. In the 19th century, co-founder James Grant introduced tall, slender stills, which remain a defining feature of the distillery to this day. Alongside these stills, Stables explains, the use of water-cooling purifiers are another key element that sets the distillery apart.

This combination creates a distinct style of whisky. The tall stills encourage a significant amount of reflux during the distillation process. This means that the vapours have a long journey to travel before they pass over into the condenser. As a result, an elegant, floral and fruity new-make spirit is produced. 

In contrast, other distilleries have shorter stills, where the vapours condense more quickly, leading to a heavier spirit. But Grant was determined to create something different from his neighbours, and that vision still defines The Glen Grant today.

This commitment to quality extends to every step of the process. The Glen Grant is the only distillery in Speyside that bottles every drop of its whisky on-site, a practice that ensures unparalleled quality control. From barley to bottle, Stables and his team oversee every stage.

Some of the distillery’s most distinguished releases include the single-malt Arboralis with rich flavours of creamy toffee, ripe pears and delicate spice; the 12-Year-Old, a delightful expression of apple pie, caramel and almond; the 15-Year-Old, which is a full-bodied and silky experience of spiced pear, toffee and apricot marmalade; and the 18-Year-Old, with notes of dried raisin and butterscotch, culminating in a long sweet finish of nuts and spice.

Pushing the envelope

While maintaining the distillery’s legacy is a prime consideration, Stables is also keenly aware of the delicate balance between tradition and innovation. In this respect, he credits Malcolm for lighting the path.

“Dennis was incredibly forward-thinking, especially when it came to sustainability. We pushed ahead with projects that would ensure The Glen Grant stayed ahead of the curve, not just in whisky-making but in how we adapted to the changing world.

“That was a valuable lesson – realising that producing great whisky isn’t just about tradition; it’s about evolving with the times while staying true to your roots,” he explains.

This evolution is already underway. Under Stables’ guidance, The Glen Grant is expanding its core range while also pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in whisky-making. The Glasshouse Collection, featuring expressions aged 21, 25, and 30 years, showcases the distillery’s ability to create complex, mature whiskies that still retain The Glen Grant’s signature elegance.

“I’m in a fortunate position because Campari has owned the distillery since 2006, and over the years, we’ve built up an inventory that gives us new opportunities,” Stables says. “We have the flexibility to experiment, thanks to the aged stock we’ve carefully built over time, which opens doors for us to explore what we can bring to the market.”

One such pilot project is the new 65-Year-Old, debuting as part of the Splendours Collection. Distilled in 1958, this expression has matured in a single French oak cask, resulting in a whisky that is both complex and vibrant. The palate offers notes of treacle, blackberries, sandalwood, cherries, fruitcake and dates; complemented by a finish of citrus, spice, and subtle smoke.

An invitation to experience

Stables is particularly excited about introducing such premium offerings to the Singapore market. The country’s sophisticated palate and appreciation for fine craftsmanship make it the perfect audience for The Glen Grant’s more mature expressions. At the same time, there is growing interest from Gen X connoisseurs and Millennials eager to explore the depth and nuance of well-aged whiskies.

When asked about his favourite way to enjoy The Glen Grant, Stables offers: “It really depends on the occasion, doesn’t it? If I’m having a drink before dinner, my go-to whiskies are Arboralis and the 12-Year-Old. I enjoy them neat or sometimes with a little ice.

“In the evening, the 15-Year-Old is a fantastic choice. At 50 per cent ABV, it’s stronger, so I always like to add a bit of water. In general, for anything above 43 per cent ABV, I’d recommend adding a touch of water to open up the flavours – you really get to experience the depth of the whisky that way.”

As Stables embarks on this new chapter, he carries with him the wisdom of generations past and the vision of innovations yet to come. Under his guardianship, The Glen Grant stands poised to not just continue its legacy, but to redefine what’s possible in the world of single malt Scotch whisky.

The Glen Grant is available at selected online stores, liquor stores and bars. The Glen Grant premium range, from 21 Years Old, is exclusively available at Campari RARE Singapore. For purchases and enquiries, please email cathy.sun@campari.com.