Tasting Notes: The Famous Grouse

Made from a blend of The Glenrothes, Highland Park, and Macallan (as well as grain whiskies), The Famous Grouse is the best selling blended whisky in Scotland.

Cost: ~$35 per liter.

ABV: 40%

Color: Gold.

Nose: First a hint of light fruit, followed by a richer, sherried sweetness. In other words, a whiff of Glenrothes Select Reserve fortified by a dash of the Macallan.

Taste: Mostly the same flavors as on the nose. Not as light or citrusy as The Glenrothes, but much lighter and less rich than a Macallan 12 from a sherry cask (as evidenced by the coloring). It’s smooth and drinkable; a whisky made for a long drinking session.

Overall: Delivering on exactly what it advertises (a combination of Glenrothes, Highland Park and Macallan), it’s easy to see why this is the best selling blend in Scotland. If I’m looking for a nice, lightly-sherried Scotch, this is never going to disappoint. And at $35 per liter (instead of 750 mL), the price is a bargain. It made a convert of me. This is a cheap Scotch worth buying.