Last Updated on: 29th April 2024, 03:52 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Explore the whole essence of the Famous Grouse as we embark on my all-encompassing review, ensuring all your questions find their answers!
Reviewed by: J Highland
Famous Grouse: A Smooth Everyday Scotch Whisky
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
The Famous Grouse is a popular choice for a reason – it’s a dependable and affordable blended Scotch whisky, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Easy-Drinking and Uncomplicated
This blend offers a smooth and inoffensive drinking experience. While it might not have complex flavors, it’s easy to sip and lacks any unpleasant surprises.
A Top Choice in its Price Range
Famous Grouse is the best-selling whisky in Scotland, and for good reason. It stands out for its quality and value within its price range.
Enjoys a Splash of Water
Adding a few drops of water to the Famous Grouse can help unlock some subtle floral notes and temper the alcohol a touch.
A Taste of Scotland
Curious about what Scotch whisky is all about? The Famous Grouse offers a good introduction to the spirit at an accessible price point.
- Related: Top Cheap Whiskies
- Learn more: Famous Grouse Website
What’s unique about this whisky?
The Famous Grouse stands proudly as Scotland’s best-selling whisky since 1980.
This blended Scotch is crafted by the same company that owns renowned whisky brands like Macallan and Highland Park.
How does it taste?
- Nose: Apple, caramel, barley
- Palate: Caramel, citrus, honey, smoke
- Finish: Malt, citrus
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Dewar’s
The nose brings forth delicate notes of apple, caramel, and barley.
Upon tasting, the Famous Grouse delights with its upfront caramel sweetness, accompanied by a harmonious blend of honey, sherry, and a subtle hint of orange.
A well-balanced mineral note and a touch of smoke contribute to a gratifying flavor profile.
The finish is relatively brief, leaving a pleasant malty aftertaste enriched with oak spice, orange, and caramel nuances.
Is it smoky?
When rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with five being the highest, the Famous Grouse scores one due to its barely perceptible hint of smoke.
It is incredibly mild and may quickly go unnoticed by many.
Famous Grouse FAQ
Here is a quick FAQ to address your doubts:
How to drink it?
- Adding water releases floral notes making it more enjoyable.
Also read: How to Drink Famous Grouse
Is it chill-filtered?
- Yes, it is a chill-filtered whisky.
Does it use caramel coloring?
- Yes, it is artificially colored.
Aging
- The Grouse is a blend of malt and grain whiskies aged briefly in sherry and bourbon casks.
Alternatives
- Dewar’s White Label represents an alternative as it offers a smooth taste that drinks with ease or can be used to make cocktails.
Price
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
- United States: $25
- Canada: $30
- Britain: £20
- Australia: $50
Alcohol content
- Bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV).
Does it expire?
- Alcoholic beverages do not expire and can last for years if stored correctly.
- However, drinking it once the content is down to 25% is recommended to avoid weird tasting notes.
About Famous Grouse
- Famous Grouse is a blended Scotch brand owned by the Scotland-based Edrington Group.
- The Edrington Group also owns Macallan, Highland Park, and Glenrothes.
How did I review the Famous Grouse?
I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller.
My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and whiskey expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.
I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.
Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.
⭐ – Poor, ⭐⭐ – Average, ⭐⭐⭐ – Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent.
Famous Grouse: Specs
| Type of Whisky | Blend |
| Age statement | NAS |
| Proof | 80 |
| ABV | 40% |
| Is it good? | Yes |
| Is it top-shelf? | No |
| Does it expire? | No |
| Sweet? | Moderately |
| Warm? | No |
| Peaty? | No |
| Good for beginners? | Yes |
| Good for cocktails? | Yes |
| Good with Coke? | No |
| Calories per shot | 108 |
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Keto-friendly | Yes |