Scotland’s number one selling Scotch is none other than The Famous Grouse.  It’s a blended Scotch whisky, meaning it’s a blend of malt and grain whiskies.  Among those whiskies are malt whiskies from the famed Macallan and Highland Park distilleries.  The blend is matured in ex-sherry casks for about six months, adding more layers of flavor.

Famous Grouse can be traced back to 1896, when it was first produced by Matthew Gloag & Son.  It’s now owned by The Edrington Group.  Bottled at 40% abv, Famous Grouse can be found for about $25 for a 750mL bottle.

The nose is light and sweet, with honey, heather, citrus being showcased, There’s a sweet corn pudding underneath.  That honey note carries into the palate, along with stewed fruit and heather.  I also get a bit of malt and the slightest touch of peat.  The finish here is all sweet honey and fruit, soon becoming dry.

I like this blend.  Famous Grouse has some character but still keeps a certain lightness that makes it really easy to drink.  There are other expressions available from the brand, including the smokier Black Grouse and Naked Grouse, whose sherry influence is explored further.  However, The Famous Grouse is the standard expression, and a satisfying one it is.