The Black Grouse Alpha Edition
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.
The panel
Mean 59.5 · spread 1
Value for money 3/5
- Distillery
- Famous Grouse
- Type
- Blended Malt Whisky
- Country
- Scotland
- Strength
- 40% ABV
- Character
- peaty
Tasting
Nose
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.
Palate
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.
Verdicts
Marcel
The Black Grouse Alpha Edition isn’t a dramatic standout, but with its sweet notes and earthy forest character, it certainly has its own charm. It’s enough for a little venture into the peated world, though it doesn’t really knock your socks off – more of a solid, straightforward blend for casual sipping.
Sascha
The Alpha Edition shows an interesting balance between mild, sweet bourbon notes and subtle hints of smoke, yet structurally it remains rather simple and not very complex. For the price, there are definitely better-balanced alternatives in the blended whisky segment with a clearer profile.
What it is worth
No auction record for this distillery, so we cannot tell you what this bottle is worth. We would rather say that than guess.