In Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2008, The Black Grouse was chosen as the best blend of the year. This recently introduced and peated version of The Famous Grouse was well received by critics. It’s true that only a few blends put peat and smoke in the spotlight.
The Black Grouse (40%, OB)
Powerful nose with lots of malt and cereal. Smoke is nearly absent. Fruitiness (apple, peach). A bit more smoke in the taste, but still very subtle. Oak wood with some fruity notes. Creamy delivery. Very sweet finish on brown sugar and citrus.
Score: 73.
I’m not really impressed by this. The smoke is quite faint and is certainly not in the spotlight. Most of all, I miss the deep warmth that I associate with peated whiskies. A decent dram considering the price (around € 20), but in the end it’s still a small grouse, not a powerful black falcon.