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Simon-JG-hr
14-12-2009, 12:00 AM
Has anyone else tried this?

(I'm supposed to be working at the moment - well, more accurately, I should have been working weeks ago, but left it to the last minute for the adrenaline rush... So, naturally, procrastinating some more by popping up here...)

Anyway, it's an offering from the people that brought us The Famous Grouse (who'd have thought it... :der:). It's a peatier blend and is not half bad.

I tried a sip with some ice, washed around the glass. Palatable, none of that harsh alcohol bite that I often get with blends and some young malts. Probably not one to go for if the sole intention is to drink neat / with water / with ice, but can be done. Very, very nice with a Canada Dry - it's almost slightly sweetish when compared alongside the smokier Bells (my other mixer of a whisky).

Definitely recommended. Especially if it's still on offer at Sainsburys at a very attractive price...
the mothman
14-12-2009, 12:16 AM
I would like to try this one, part of costs were donated to help protect the black grouse as its numbers are dwindling. How much in sainsburys?
Simon-JG-hr
14-12-2009, 12:55 AM
Yes, forgot to mention the charitable donation - excellent point (and another good reason to buy).

It's £12.99 in Sainsbury's at the moment, not sure for how much longer though, it took me a week to take the plunge once I'd seen the price (not sure why it took that long mind...).
the mothman
14-12-2009, 01:03 AM
Think I'll have a gawp in my local store over the next couple of days, cheers Si'.
the mothman
19-12-2009, 08:56 AM
Finally got a bottle Simon :biggrin1: Not all the stores,including sainsbury's stock it. I found it in asda in the end for £12. Had a taster and as you said its peatier on the taste, and im sure i'll enjoy the rest. Mixed with just 1 ice cube to release the larger molecules and add to the enjoyment.
saggel
19-12-2009, 11:40 PM
I'd love to give it a try. Will I find it at Morissons?
the mothman
20-12-2009, 12:13 PM
I'd love to give it a try. Will I find it at Morissons?
Yes, I saw it in a Morrisons near me for around £14 or so.
MaledettoToscano
20-12-2009, 04:28 PM
Drinking some Black Grouse on ice right now. Not bad at all.

Although it is an OK blended whisky, I am not a huge fan of the normal Grouse, but the Black version has a bit more character for me.
cbob
21-12-2009, 03:08 AM
A couple of years ago I was able to taste a Famous Grouse 12 yo vatted malt at a dinner organized by our importer of Highland Park. Apparently the H P folk put together some of their stocks to make this "not-blend" blend and it was not bad at all. Certainly superior to some ancient and over-hyped singles I've tasted.
.
tippexx
22-12-2009, 01:36 PM
Never tried it, but they seem to be putting a fair bit of money behind it .... TV advertising and all!
daverave999
22-12-2009, 06:17 PM
Just seen a bottle of this in Asda. I was sorely tempted but the box was squashed on the corner. Sad I know, but it's got to look right. Last one on the shelf unfortunately.
the mothman
11-01-2010, 11:18 AM
In addition to the Black Grouse bottle, my dad aquired a bottle of 'Snow Grouse' for me. Not heard of this before but it portrays the hardy Ptarmigan bird only found frequenting the highland peaks. It is also different in that you are told to give it a short time in the freezer before serving, sound good if improves the drink, not opened it yet. Anyone else had this?http://www.ukcigarforums.com/gallery/files/3/1/7/snow_grouse_glass_thumb.jpg (http://www.ukcigarforums.com/gallery/files/3/1/7/snow_grouse_glass.jpg)
saggel
11-01-2010, 12:39 PM
any hint on its price?
celsis
11-01-2010, 02:06 PM
In addition to the Black Grouse bottle, my dad aquired a bottle of 'Snow Grouse' for me. Not heard of this before but it portrays the hardy Ptarmigan bird only found frequenting the highland peaks. It is also different in that you are told to give it a short time in the freezer before serving, sound good if improves the drink, not opened it yet. Anyone else had this?http://www.ukcigarforums.com/gallery/files/3/1/7/snow_grouse_glass_thumb.jpg (http://www.ukcigarforums.com/gallery/files/3/1/7/snow_grouse_glass.jpg)

Ah now, you're getting from blended whisky to grain whisky now! "snow Grouse" is a young grain. I think you will wind it's a bit like vodka and doesn't contain a lt of Scotch characteristics......
the mothman
11-01-2010, 04:36 PM
Ah now, you're getting from blended whisky to grain whisky now! "snow Grouse" is a young grain. I think you will wind it's a bit like vodka and doesn't contain a lt of Scotch characteristics......

Mind you I prefer vodka straight from the freezer, and I like the birds!:biggrin1:
Lionhound
10-03-2010, 12:58 PM
Was lucky enough to enjoy hospitality from The Famous Grouse before the Scotland v Wales game at Murrayfield. The Black Grouse was being heavily promoted and very nice it was. They seem to be trying to focus it on the younger market and promoting it to drink with a mixer or in almost cocktail style. I normally tend to stick to malts and stick to neat, ice, water or a combination but that day they had a menu of 3 or 4 mixed combinations all of which I tried and thoroughly enjoyed.
I haven't checked, but am sure their "recipes" will be on their website if anyone's interested.