ABV 40%
To reconcile the style of the regular Grouse with Islay is an achievement, but a dubious one. Grouse has a powerful franchise, but Highland already has an Islay-accented blend in the excellent Black Bottle.
Michael Jackson
The Famous Grouse
Brand
Islay Cask Finish
Expression
Blended
Type
No age statement
Age (Years)
40%
ABV
Scotland
Region/Country
Standard (Distillery or blended)
Bottling Type
Taster
Nose: Polished oak. Peat smoke. Sooty.
Palate: Bigger than the regular Grouse. Firm, biscuity maltiness. Hint of grassiness, rootiness, liquorice.
Finish: Dry and peaty – with some saltiness.
Comment: To reconcile the style of the regular Grouse with Islay is an achievement, but a dubious one. Grouse has a powerful franchise, but Highland already has an Islay-accented blend in the excellent Black Bottle.
Score: 8.3
Taster
Nose: Immediate smoke/burnt matches, heather, soft fruits/honey. Dry yet soft.
Palate: Softly fruited: sultana, hazelnut with puffs of scented heathery smoke.
Finish: Dry long and slightly austere. Smoky.
Comment: Good, but why do this when you already own Black Bottle?
Score: 7.8
Subscribe to the Whisky Magazine Newsletter to see the latest in all things whisky
