Smooth, balanced, and steeped in tradition, The Famous Grouse Blended Scotch Whisky is Scotland's bestselling whisky and an international icon. Crafted since 1896, this blend combines premium malts like Macallan and Highland Park with fine grain whiskies, all matured in oak casks for a velvety depth. Its golden amber hue and rich aroma of candied fruit, buttery shortbread, and subtle citrus invite you to discover a palate that harmonizes dried fruits, honey, and a whisper of spice. Perfectly versatile, whether sipped neat, on the rocks, or as a cocktail base, The Famous Grouse delivers a timeless Scotch experience that embodies excellence in every glass.
Process & Profile
Crafted by The Edrington Group, The Famous Grouse is a blend of premium single malt whiskies, including Highland Park and The Macallan, and high-quality grain whiskies. These components are expertly married and aged in oak casks, often ex-sherry and bourbon barrels, for up to six months to create a perfectly balanced and smooth profile. The result is a golden-hued whisky with an alcohol content of 40% ABV, offering a sophisticated drinking experience that embodies the essence of Scottish whisky-making tradition.
Tasting Notes
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Appearance: Bright golden color with a captivating clarity.
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Nose: Sweet aromas of dried fruits, toffee, and subtle sherry notes, complemented by hints of citrus and chocolate.
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Palate: Smooth, medium-bodied texture featuring flavors of honey, shortbread, and oak spice, with gentle floral and spice notes emerging upon the addition of a splash of water.
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Finish: Long and well-balanced, with lingering sweetness and a soft touch of smoky peat in some variations.
These characteristics make The Famous Grouse a versatile whisky, appealing to a wide range of palates.
What Makes It Special
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Heritage and Legacy: Established in 1896 by Matthew Gloag, The Famous Grouse has an illustrious history. It received the Royal Warrant in 1984, symbolizing its recognition as a whisky of exceptional quality.
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Quality Ingredients: The blend incorporates some of Scotland's finest single malts and grain whiskies, meticulously sourced and aged to ensure premium quality in every bottle.
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Consistency and Craftsmanship: The blending process is a testament to over a century of expertise. Every cask is nosed before blending to maintain the signature balance and smoothness.
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Versatile Range: The Famous Grouse offers a variety of expressions, including the original, Smoky Black (for a peatier profile), and Sherry Cask Finish, catering to diverse preferences.
How to Enjoy
The Famous Grouse is designed to be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
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Neat: Savor its smooth texture and complexity.
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On the Rocks: Enhance its crisp and refreshing character.
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Classic Cocktails: Use it as a base for cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, or Rob Roy to explore its versatility.
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Hot Toddy: A warm and comforting option for cold nights, combining whisky with honey, lemon, and spices.
It also pairs wonderfully with foods such as smoked meats, dark chocolate, or dried fruits, elevating the dining experience.
Why Choose The Famous Grouse
Whether you're a seasoned Scotch enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of whisky, The Famous Grouse offers an approachable yet refined taste that makes it a staple for any occasion. Its storied history, exceptional craftsmanship, and well-balanced flavors ensure it remains a favorite both in Scotland and worldwide. Raise a glass of The Famous Grouse and enjoy a sip of tradition, elegance, and timeless quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of Scotch whisky is The Famous Grouse?
The Famous Grouse is a blended Scotch whisky, crafted from a mix of high-quality single malts (such as Highland Park and The Macallan) and grain whiskies. The blend is known for its smooth, balanced taste profile and consistent quality.
Is The Famous Grouse suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes, The Famous Grouse is suitable for both vegetarians and vegans. No animal products are used in its production, including during the fining process of sherry casks, ensuring it meets these dietary preferences.
Does The Famous Grouse contain gluten?
No, The Famous Grouse does not contain gluten. Although barley, maize, and wheat are used in the production process, gluten is removed during distillation, making it safe for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. However, people with specific allergies should consult a medical professional.
How many calories are in The Famous Grouse?
At bottle strength (40% ABV), The Famous Grouse contains approximately 222 calories per 100ml, which translates to 55.5 calories per 25ml serving. It contains only trace levels of carbohydrates and no sugar.
Is The Famous Grouse kosher?
No, The Famous Grouse is not kosher. Some of the whiskies in its blend are matured in sherry casks, which do not meet kosher guidelines.
Why is it called "The Famous Grouse"?
The whisky was originally named "The Grouse" in 1896, inspired by the red grouse, a bird native to Scotland. It was later renamed "The Famous Grouse" due to its growing popularity as a high-quality Scotch whisky.
How is The Famous Grouse made?
The process begins with selecting fine malt and grain whiskies, which are carefully blended and matured in oak casks. The blend is rested at marrying strength for 21 days to achieve a smooth and balanced flavor before bottling.
What flavors can I expect from The Famous Grouse?
The Famous Grouse offers a rich and smooth taste characterized by notes of dried fruits, caramel, and toffee, with subtle hints of oak and spice. Variants like Smoky Black and Sherry Cask introduce peated smokiness or sherry sweetness for added complexity.
How should I enjoy The Famous Grouse?
The Famous Grouse is versatile and can be sipped neat, on the rocks, or as part of cocktails. It pairs beautifully with mixers like ginger ale and can be used in classic drinks like the Rob Roy or modern creations such as the Penicillin cocktail.
Does The Famous Grouse have other variants?
Yes, The Famous Grouse offers variants like Smoky Black, which includes peated Highland malts for a smokier profile, and Sherry Cask Finish, which is matured in sherry casks for a richer, sweeter flavor.
