Black Grouse

Coming to the outlets near me for $33.50 CDN for 750 mL bottle.

Any thots on it's taste considering it's a low price around here? I'm a big Famous Grouse lover.

Reply to
The Henchman
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Hi Henchman. It is described as "a unique blend of The Famous Grouse mixed with Islay malts to create a rich smoky, peaty taste."

I'm a big Islay fan so really enjoyed it when I bought a bottle; it's not so 'in your face' as a straight Islay though.

You can read a bout it here:

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or

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Jeff NE England

Reply to
Jim

Thanks for the reading but I've done plenty of reading on it. Now I want real opinions from you guys. I'm a Speyside guy, although I just bough my first Islay, Ardbeg 10, but have yet to open it. I want to build up to it so I'm chicken to Islay(s)

Funny that I'm a big Famous Grouse fan but did not enjoy Famous Grouse

12.year. Can you describe the taste of Black Grouse to me? I've ordered 3 bottles but they are not available until October 7th for me. I'm buying these for myself and the price is really low so I'm not expecting much. Is this a good learning expierence to build courage to have a single malt Islay one day? Will the flavour of Famouse Grouse carry thru and comfort me on those cold winter nights in this blend? is this Black Grouse blend a good marriage?

Also Jim, can you recommend any single malt islays that have a complex taste that might cut down the peat bite. I want lots of flavours in a single malt. Looking to build a collection of fine Scotch and will need a couple of more bottles of Islay(s). I have to watch price though. What will satisfy a poor Canuck like myself?

Reply to
The Henchman

It was Black Grouse that started me drinking Islays. IMO BG is twice the drink that FG is. FG tastes harsh and woody to me now, I won't even buy it since trying BG. If I were you I'd make that three-bottle order of BG into a case order.....

Describe the taste? Mate, I used to be on a wine-tasting panel for the NZ government back in the 1970's which decided what wines the govt. would actively promote overseas to grow our [then] fledgling wine market. Describing the taste of a whisky (or wine) is a bit like dancing about architecture. Very subjective and imprecise (unless you're seated together, tasting together). However I'd say that it's less woody and astringent than FG with a rounded hint of peat and a slightly more powerful note of smoke. It's by far my favourite blended whisky to drink neat. (Still nothing like the kick in the balls [in a nice way] that you get from an Ardbeg 10.)

Slainte

Reply to
~misfit~

Try Bunnahabhain it's the nearest to a mainland whisky,it's not very smokey or peaty but very good.Caol ila also may be a good start. Drew

Reply to
Drew Martin

SNIP>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

If its anb Islay you want with a little peat but not too much, then Bruichladdich Waves might be what you are looking for. That is, if you can get it in your part of the world. Bruichladdich make many fine whiskies. The "Waves" expression is not too expensive and its only moderately peated. If you can find it and afford it, then Bruichladdich Infinity is a wonderfull dram at cask strength. But you would hardly know it was cask strength its so drinkable. Its medium peated, but finished in refill sherry casks which balance it out a bit. If you dont like peat at all, then maybe you should try one of Bruichladdich's non peated whiskies like "Rocks" . Bruichladdich Rocks is very affordable and is finished in Grenache caske giving it a taste of "esters" fruitiness. Its a young dram, but it compares well to many older drams.

Repsectfully, Jock

See my whisky collection here:

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Reply to
Jacues Loofjes

Great advice as always Jock, thanks for sharing. I always learn a lot from your posts and archive them. :-)

Reply to
~misfit~

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