The Famous Grouse Bourbon Cask Whisky

Famous Grouse, a name that resonates with whisky aficionados worldwide, needs little introduction. Today, let’s delve into the Famous Grouse Bourbon Cask blended Scotch whisky.

With an impressive annual sale of 43 million bottles across more than 90 countries, Famous Grouse is one of the most accessible whisky brands. I can find it even here in Mauritius. Since 1980, it has held the title of Scotland’s highest-selling whisky brand, a testament to its enduring popularity.

Like many of its peers, Famous Grouse traces its origins back to a humble beginning in a local grocery store. Matthew Groag, the visionary behind the brand, embarked on a quest to craft his own premium blended whisky in the heart of Perthshire, Scotland.

Today, the Edrington Group is the torchbearer of his legacy; other whisky in their portfolio include Macallan and Highland Park whisky.

In 2018, the brand broadened its horizons by introducing two new cask-finished expressions. First was the Famous Grouse Bourbon Cask, the inaugural offering within the Cask Series. The Ruby Cask release, which undergoes a finishing process in port casks, joined its ranks soon afterwards.

The Bourbon Cask edition celebrates diverse oak influences, predominantly featuring whiskies aged in American Oak and first-fill bourbon casks. It is a NAS release.

The label is adorned by the iconic red Grouse, Scotland’s revered national game bird, which serves as a poignant symbol of heritage and tradition.

Priced at approximately R 290 in South Africa (€33.50 in Europe, £29 in the UK, and $25 in the USA), the Famous Grouse Bourbon Cask falls comfortably within the budget blend category. This is similar to the standard Famous Grouse retail price.

Also Read: The Top 5 Blends under R500

The Famous Grouse Bourbon Cask Whisky Review

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Pale gold

NOSE: This is such a typical Famous Grouse nose. It’s fruity and sweet with notes of toasted oak, caramel, pepper, and vanilla. It’s lovely but not the most complex nose.

PALATE: The Famous Grouse Bourbon Cask starts quite spicy with lots of pepper, but after sipping two, it becomes sweeter. There are notes of oak, pepper, and caramel sweetness. Hints of vanilla and a tropical note are in the background. Water smooths the peppery spice, and it becomes very drinkable. It is easy to drink and smooth with a medium body.

FINISH: A medium length with caramel, oak and pepper.

RATING: VERY GOOD

It’s not the most complex dram, but we nevertheless made a dent in the bottle. It’s an uncomplicated dram for when you just want to relax.

Compared to the standard Famous Grouse whisky, the Bourbon Cask is spicier, with more toasted oak and caramel. The standard release has more cherries and candied fruit, while the fruit in the Bourbon Cask is more in the background.

The sweet note on the Bourbon Cask is more reminiscent of caramel, whereas on the standard Grouse, it is more of a honey sweetness. Both of these releases are easy drinking, and I can understand why this is the top-selling dram in Scotland.

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