The Black Grouse Popularity Grows

[John]

The Black Grouse, recently awarded a gold medal in the Scotch whisky category at this year's International Wine and Spirits Competition, is now the most widely distributed expression within The Famous Grouse family (other than Finest).

Launched in 2007, The Black Grouse aims to attract blended Scotch drinkers who seek a more challenging taste, marrying the smoothness of The Famous Grouse with the aromatic peatiness of Islay malts.

Awarding a Gold (Best In Class) medal, the International Wine and Spirits Competition judges described it as "Pale gold, big bold nose with honeycomb oak and hints of vanilla. Lovely trace of smoky peat floating in the background.

"Vanilla and liquorice add to the complexity while a surge of honey notes add to the richness. Soft in the mouth yet firm finish."?

"It is great recognition of the quality of the whisky to receive such a prestigious award," said Area Director for Global Travel Retail William Ovens.

"The Black Grouse is proving a great addition to the portfolio and is now listed in a wide range of retailers throughout European travel retail and is making significant inroads across the rest of the market, with distributors securing new listings on a regular basis.

"From a standing start two years ago, The Black Grouse is now the most widely distributed expression (other than Finest) within The Famous Grouse family."?

The Black Grouse has already received a number of accolades, taking Gold for Best Scotch Whisky Blend at the 2009 Scottish Whisky Masters and Gold at the International Spirits Challenge's Scotch Whisky category in 2008.
In his '2008 Whisky Bible', Jim Murray hailed it as "a real treasure - the best new blended Scotch whisky"?, awarding a total score of 94/100.

The main markets for The Black Grouse are UK, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, South Africa, the Netherlands, Germany and global travel retail

John

Source: The Moodie Report

[Samson]

Just got to say i had this for the first time tonight and i love it, Scottish buttter tablet brushed with peat smoke. Very surprised how much i like it as i am not a fan of the standard Famous Grouse.