Famous Grouse Islay Cask Finish

Tasted in Whisky Magazine Issue 20 by Michael Jackson and Dave Broom.

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Tasting Notes

Michael Jackson Nose Polished oak. Peat smoke. Sooty. Palate Bigger than the regular Grouse. Firm, biscuity maltiness. Hint of grassiness, rootiness, liquorice. Finish Dry and peaty – with some saltiness. Comment To reconcile the style of the regular Grouse with Islay is an achievement, but a dubious one. Grouse has a powerful franchise, but Highland already has an Islay-accented blend in the excellent Black Bottle.

Dave Broom Nose Immediate smoke/burnt matches, heather, soft fruits/honey. Dry yet soft. Palate Softly fruited: sultana, hazelnut with puffs of scented heathery smoke. Finish Dry long and slightly austere. Smoky. Comment Good, but why do this when you already own Black Bottle?