Famous Grouse

Tasted in Whisky Magazine Issue 9 by Michael Jackson and Paul Pacult.

Whisky Magazine is the perfect complement to the dram in your glass. Every issue brings you fascinating articles on the art, science and romance of the 'water of life', plus page after page of tasting notes.

• Issue 9 online • Buy issue 9 (£5.95)
• Subscribe to Whisky Magazine (from £28.38)
• Preview current issue (72) • Preview other issues online

Tasting Notes

Michael Jackson Nose Apricots. Sherry. Juicy fresh oak. Palate Calvados. Slight butter. Flowering currant. Crystallised ginger. Finish Faint suggestion of garden bonfires. Comment Creates the illusion of being massively more malty than it really is. Very good extraction of flavours from the wood seems to be the secret (or part of it. I am in awe of the dexterity of the blender, though the result is a little soft and sweet for my personal tastes.

Paul Pacult Nose The user-friendly bouquet offers delicate aromatic hints of fruit, very soft peat, and linseed oil. Quiet, calm, approachable. Palate On the palate, this easy blend travels the course from entry to throat in fine form, offering along the way uncomplicated flavours of moderately sweet grain, mild spice, and even a dash of oak. Medium-bodied. Finish Long, caramel-like, and as comforting as an old familiar friend. Comment Agreeable Saturday afternoon blend that doesn't feign profundity or complexity, it just gets down to the business of being a completely satisfying dram.