The Black Grouse Alpha Edition

Peaty, Leathery
2023-02-26

The Black Grouse Alpha Edition is a peated version of the Famous Grouse. As it is a blend, the barley used specifically for this whisky was not peated, as is the case with a single malt. Instead, they took fully matured Islay whisky and blended it with the standard Famous Grouse. We suspect it will be Caol Ila, as is so often the case.

Smell

The blend opens very earthy with notes reminiscent of musty wet forest soil. A bit as if it had rained for a week after a forest fire. Something sour resonates, a little orange and here and there a little malt.

Taste

Surprisingly little smoke, correspondingly probably a small Islay whisky share. Surprisingly sweet and cerealy, almost bourbon-like notes of caramel and vanilla with bitter orange and roasted grain.

Finish

The mild finish is short and malty with charcoal and some caramel.

Thoughts

Well, what can we say? The Black Grouse isn't particularly complex and doesn't blow your mind ... No. The nose is indeed off-putting, while the sweet taste scores again. Not really accessible, yet interesting in some parts. We are torn. On the one hand, it's better than the normal Famous Grouse, but on the other hand, you don't necessarily have to buy it, especially since there are better blends for around 30€.

Rating: 60/100 - Good (Marcel: 59 | Sascha: 60)

Value for Money: 3/5 - Acceptable

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Preview Image Source: The Whisky Exchange