Ludovic Ducrocq has it good. As the Global Brand Ambassador for Grant’s Blended Scotch Whisky, Ducrocq knows the ins and outs of what separates a great tasting  scotch whisky from a not so great one. As part of his tour of the Americas, he came to Dallas and we had a chance to sit down this afternoon and meet. The imposition of knowledge that one attains from a man who knows his spirits and blends is invaluable. With a family tested, tried and true brand like Grant’s you can’t go wrong. Though the flavor profiles have morphed to a befitting modern palate, the history that stand behind Grant’s is unfolding. William Grant began distilling in a Dufftown, Scotland in 1886 and his descendants have kept up the business since.

I know what you’re thinking. Why do I need to know all of this? As a Dallasite, why is this important to me? Great question. It’s important for reasons like the fact that when you go to a bar and see the towering list of Scotch Whiskey brands to choose from, and the echoes of past bad experiences ring in where you went for ice, water, soda or some other mixer. The fear that sets in amongst younger generations of imbibers when the sight of Scotch Whiskey comes around is one we should try to remove. So let’s take a lesson from Ludo shall we? He says to “don’t fear it because of the many choices, instead find the right flavors of an added beverage that will allow you to enjoy it slowly.” Grant’s blended whisky is a honeyed, sweet and woody flavor. It’s a step back from the varietals that have overwhelmingly smoky profiles that remind you of sitting with Uncle Joe on Christmas or Thanksgiving, as he puffs a cigar in your face and chugs his scotch. No, Grant’s has a taste that beckons a raised eyebrow for the interesting and intriguing notes, tastes and aromas.

Recently, Grant’s bottled 100 coveted taste of the families battle cry ‘Stand Fast’ that dates back to 1912. While the original couldn’t be replicated to a ‘t’, this stuff will remind you that the craftsmanship and trade of blending scotch whisky is a true talent. Master Blender, Brian Kinsman, took old records of the recipes to create what those 100 lucky owners taste when they crack open a bottle of ‘Stand Fast’ and sip. While the bottles won’t be sold, they stand testament to the brand and history.

Bars like The Standard Pour and The Establishment will beckon you with barkeeps knowledge of the many ways Grant’s can be enjoyed. The U.S. is only privy to enjoy the Family Reserve version as of now, but that’s just fine with me. So go, try something new or visit your class. A taste of history and true blenders expertise can be found in a glass of Grant’s.