It’s an incredible coincidence that I’m reviewing The Famous Grouse at the same time I’m reading Hugh Laurie’s The Gun Seller. The main character, Lang, has a scene in the book where, after a particularly long and brutal day, he pours himself a glass of Famous Grouse and then proceeds to water it down to being a “Vaguely Familiar Grouse”. He then goes on to water it down even further to the point of being a glass of “I’m Sure I’ve Seen That Grouse Somewhere Before”. If you haven’t read the book I highly suggest you do. It’s hilarious.
The Famous Grouse has been around since 1896 and is now owned by The Edgrington Group who also own The Macallan, Highland Park, Cutty Sark and other brands. The Famous Grouse is a blended whisky and, from what I’ve been able to find online, seems to include both of the single malts listed above. After the single malts and grain whiskies are all blended together the mix is put back into casks and allowed to marry for up to 6 months before being dumped and bottled.
The Famous Grouse Info
Region: Scotland
Blender: Matthew Gloag & Sons
Age: NAS
ABV: 40%
Price: $26
The Famous Grouse Review
EYE
Fresh butterscotch
NOSE
Malt, grain, citrus candy and butterscotch transition to orchard fruit with charred toasted undertones and a sour punch.
PALATE
Grain whisky is the backbone of the palate with appendages of malt, orchard fruit, char, dark sweets and citrus candy coming off of it.
FINISH
Medium with notes of hay-like malt, char, sweetness and a bit of fruit. Easily the best part of this whisky.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Bit unbalanced from the heavy grain, medium body and soft smooth texture.
OVERALL
The Famous Grouse is a brand that’s been around a long time and it has a loyal following all over the world… but it’s not my thing. It’s a bit cloying at times and doesn’t really do much for me. As a mixer it’s great, I’ve made many a cocktail with it over the years, but when it comes to a sipper I want something with a bit more punch to it.
SCORE: 77
