The Famous Grouse Scotch Whisky

The Famous Grouse whisky is a blended Scotch whisky brand, first produced by Matthew Gloag & Son. Owned and produced by The Edrington Group, this famous blend is made up of various well-known distilleries. Most notably whisky from The Macallan, The Glenrothes and Highland Park.

Furthermore, 65% of the spirit content is grain whisky. I have tried the Black Grouse, their peaty expression, and loved it.  I found that the Black Grouse also pairs well with Indian food. It is also the perfect smoky addition to marinade for lamb to give lamb that extra earthy flavour.

Matthew Gloag purchased whiskies from various distilleries around Scotland. According to legend, his focus was always firmly fixed on creating the best quality whisky, not on profit. It was 1860 when his son, William Gloag assumed control of the company and started blending whisky.

In 1896, Matthew’s grandson, also named Matthew, created The Grouse Brand blend, which due to its popularity, was renamed “The Famous Grouse” in 1905. The brand’s emblem is the Red Grouse, Scotland’s national game bird.

The company sold to Highland Distillers in 1979, and the marketing and distributive power of the new company saw Famous Grouse become the highest selling Scotch in Scotland. The company founded The Famous Grouse Experience at the Glenturret distillery. The experience is as much a museum for whisky distillation as it is about the Grouse brand.

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The Famous Grouse Scotch Whisky Review

ABV:  43%.

COLOUR The whisky has a beautiful vibrant golden glow.  It is quite an oily whisky, both in the glass and on the palate.

NOSE: On the nose, there are hints of sweetness with faint notes of dark chocolate, cherries, and candied fruit. Sherry notes grace the bouquet, and the addition of water accentuates the oak and introduces more floral elements.

PALATE: Without water, the Famous Grouse Scotch whisky palate has some honey, oak and some gentle spice. When you add water, there are bits of sweet butter shortbread and rich malt mixed with spices and floral notes. It is a medium-bodied whisky. It is very smooth and easy-drinking, and I can understand why this is so “Famous”.

FINISH: The finish is of medium length, concluding with subtle notes of oak and sweetness.

RATING: VERY GOOD

The Famous Grouse whisky boasts consistency, smoothness, and sweetness, making it a classic choice. Moreover, it’s an excellent addition to cocktails and appeals to a wide range of palates, ensuring it won’t disappoint anyone.

However, it’s worth noting that the Famous Grouse lacks that standout “WOW” factor that some enthusiasts seek. After experiencing the Black Grouse, known for its character and charm, one might expect a bit more personality from this renowned blend.

Nevertheless, the Famous Grouse Scotch whisky is affordable, with a retail price of around R 250 in South Africa.

In addition to the Black Grouse, there is also the Naked Grouse, which offers yet another dimension to the Famous Grouse lineup.

In 2015, Edrington revamped the Black Grouse and reintroduced it as the Famous Grouse Smoky Black, further expanding the portfolio and ensuring a Grouse expression for every whisky aficionado.

I have also managed to taste the Famous Grouse Bourbon Cask blended whisky and captured my tasting notes for this affordable release as well. To better understand the nuances of this blend, I have done a side by side comparison between the Famous Grouse and the Dewar’s White Label whisky.

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