Last Updated on: 3rd May 2024, 05:19 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.
Written by: J Highland
Choosing the Best Alternatives to Famous Grouse
Smokier & Warmer:
- Johnnie Walker Black Label: Vanilla, orange, peat (smokier taste, smooth finish with smoke and pepper, great for exploring smoky whiskies).
Sweet & Smooth:
- Dewar's White Label: Apple, peach, honey (sweet and versatile, good for cocktails or neat with water for floral notes).
Beginner-Friendly Blend:
- Monkey Shoulder: Marmalade, vanilla, orange, honey (smooth intro to Scotch, affordable, excellent in cocktails).
Peaty Elegance (Upgrade):
- Highland Park 12: Floral, smoke, orange (refined step-up, lighter peat and more complex nose, smoother and lighter-bodied).
Budget Blend with a Hint of Peat:
- Naked Malt: Peach, apple, honey, baking spice (fruity notes, affordable, good for sipping or cocktails).
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Similar Whiskies & Best Alternatives to Famous Grouse: Buying Guide
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Famous Grouse | $21 |
| Naked Malt | $31 |
| Johnnie Walker Black Label | $25 |
| Dewar's White Label | $20 |
| Monkey Shoulder | $28 |
| Highland Park 12 | $50 |
Johnnie Walker Black Label: Smoky Step Up
- Nose: Vanilla, orange zest, nectarine
- Palate: Smoke, roasted malt, caramel, vanilla
- Finish: Long, fruity, peppery, smoke
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
Black Label offers a smokier taste than Famous Grouse. Expect vanilla, orange, and peat on the nose with a smooth, warm finish of smoke and pepper. A great next step for those wanting to explore smoky whiskies, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Dewar's White Label: Sweet Surprise
- Nose: Apple, peach, oak
- Palate: Honey, cereal, vanilla, smoke, oak
- Finish: Caramel, vanilla, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
Dewar's White Label offers a smooth, sweet taste for its price. Expect apple, peach, and honey on the nose, with hints of smoke and oak. Despite its brief finish, it remains a popular and versatile choice, excelling in cocktails or enjoyed neat with a touch of water for added floral notes.
Monkey Shoulder: Beginner's Blend
- Nose: Marmalade, vanilla, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon
- Palate: Malt, vanilla, orange, honey, oak
- Finish: Caramel, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
Monkey Shoulder's nose is a citrus dream with hints of spice. The palate is creamy with vanilla, honey, and orange, finishing with a touch of oak. This blend offers a smooth intro to Scotch at an affordable price and works wonders in cocktails!
Highland Park 12: Peaty Elegance
- Nose: Floral, smoke, orange, honey
- Palate: Cereal, orange, green tea, smoke
- Finish: Long, oak, pepper
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
For those who enjoy Famous Grouse, Highland Park 12 offers a refined step-up. Expect a lighter peat character with a more complex and floral nose. The palate is smooth and sweet, but lighter-bodied. While pricier, it delivers a captivating experience.
Naked Malt: Budget Blend with Bite
- Nose: Peach, apple, coffee, vanilla
- Palate: Honey, baking spice, peat, apple
- Finish: Short, oak spice, baking spice
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
Naked Malt, a blend from Edrington (Macallan, Highland Park), offers fruity notes and a touch of peat for an affordable price. Honey, spice, and apple flavors lead to a short, spicy finish. Great for sipping or cocktails!
Famous Grouse: Scotland's Sweetheart
- Nose: Apple, caramel, barley
- Palate: Caramel, citrus, honey, smoke
- Finish: Malt, citrus
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
Famous Grouse, Scotland's best-selling blend, offers a smooth drink for a great price. Expect caramel, honey, and orange with a hint of smoke. Easy-drinking and approachable, it's a great intro to Scotch!
Learn more: Famous Grouse Website