Stepping away from single malts for a second, we’re diving into a blended malt scotch whisky review: the Naked Grouse Blended Malt. A tasty whisky that features Highland Park and Macallan blended with other malts like Glenrothes and Glenturret – all aged in first-fill ex-Oloroso casks. I dare say it’s not only one of the best deals in Scotch right now, but also better than some of its individual parts.
That’s a pretty bold statement, I know, but I haven’t been too enthused with the latest releases of Highland Park 12 or Macallan 12; neither one is really hitting the strides they used to. As for Glenturret and Glenrothes… well… I’ve never been a big Glenrothes fan and this exceeds nearly every one I’ve had. Glenturret I’ve had a few here and there, but nothing that’s ever made me purposefully seek them out – hence the statement above.
I enjoy this whisky and I hope that when Edrington sold Glenturret to Art & Terroir they were able to write in some stipulations about getting access to barrels to keep this brand going without having to dramatically change it. They also sold off Cutty Sark to La Martiniquaise at the same time, so who knows what’s going to happen with that one. But for now they’re holding on to all the Grouse brands so I’m hoping they can keep this going and keep it tasty. Anyways, time to drink!
Convention said Blended Malt matured and got its flavour from pre-used Bourbon casks. This got us thinking, what if instead we used first-fill sherry casks to add another layer of rich and fruity flavour to our unique blend of single malts? These are casks that have never held whisky, Naked Casks we call them. This liberating leap into the unknown didn’t just work, it was a joyful exuberance of flavour that changed the possibilities of whisky enjoyment! – Famous Grouse
Naked Grouse Blended Malt Scotch – Details and Tasting Notes
Whisky Details
Region: Scotland
Blend: Multiple (Highland Park, Glenturret, Macallan and Glenrothes known)
Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: First Fill ex-Sherry
Age: NAS (3+ years)
ABV: 43%
Price: $30
Tasting Notes
EYE
Burnt umber
NOSE
Sherry, vanilla frosting, malt, citrus, oily nuts and fresh pancakes with a touch of spice.
PALATE
Sherry, dried dark fruit, x-mas spice, vanilla taffy, citrus and macadamia nuts.
FINISH
Medium -> Vanilla, malt, nuts and sherry sweet.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Great balance, medium body and a light, not watery, feel.
Naked Grouse Blended Malt Scotch – Final Thoughts and Score
Aroma holds little pockets of spice that pop up alongside the warm sherry notes of dark fruit, nuts and vanilla frosting; Palate pulls in some heavier nutty notes but it stays along the same nicely sherried lines of the aroma; Finish is a nice easy fade of the key fruity-nutty-sherry notes running from nose to palate.
The Naked Grouse Blended Malt Scotch Whisky is just plan good. It’s sippable, it’s mixable, it’s not too sweet and has a nice profile veteran drinkers can easily enjoy yet it’s 100% approachable for those venturing into the world of Scotch. It’s not incredibly complex, but what’s there is delivered with a warming richness that far exceeds expectations. I love it.
SCORE: 3.5/5
Naked Grouse Blended Malt Review $30
Overall
3.5- Nose (3)
- Palate (3.5)
- Finish (3.5)
- BBF (4)
User Review
0 (0 votes) Comments Rating 0 (0 reviews)Summary
This is not a good cheap Scotch, it’s a good Scotch that happens to be cheap. There is so much going on, without being overwhelming, it’s a delight for the senses and is at the top of the Scotch pile in its price range… and maybe even a level above.
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