About.com Rating
Black Grouse is the sibling to the well known and loved Famous Grouseblended Scotch whisky. It is a perfect introduction into more smoky blended Scotch, and with a suggested retail price of $28.99 it offers great value at a pretty affordable price. While there is definitely a peat and smoke element to this whisky, it is offset by warm cocoa tones and an underlying malt sweetness to create a complex and harmonious whisky.
Bouquet
On the nose, the Black Grouse first offers up a whiff of peat smoke with an underlying hint of sweetness. As it begins to open up, this dark gold whisky begins to release hints of muscovado sugar, cereal grains and gentle oak tones.
Body and Palate
Black Grouse has a silky mouthfeel, making it perfect for both sipping or mixing into a favorite cocktail. The overall impression on the palate is a restrained, sophisticatedly subtle whisky with smoke, spice and chocolate flavors. Orange peel and cinnamon notes are evident right before the finish making the Black Grouse a well composed and thoroughly elegant blend.
Finish
On the finish, Black Grouse offers a surprisingly long and complex finish for a whisky at its price point. Notes of peat waft over the palate before finally finishing off with a gentle oak and sweet cereal grain finale. Black Grouse has one of the most satisfying finishes in the blended whisky category, one that will leave whisky enthusiasts clamoring for more.
Black Grouse Cocktail Recipes:
Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.
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