Brand

The Famous Grouse whiskies

The Famous Grouse is one of the best-known Scotch blends and, for decades, the best-selling whisky in Scotland. It was born at the end of the 19th century in Perth, in the Gloag family’s shop. Its emblem is the red grouse, Scotland’s national bird. Its style is smooth and balanced, with a touch of sherry, thanks to malts such as Macallan and Highland Park, with which it shared a group for many years.

Created
1896
Owner
Origin
Scotland
In the catalogue
2 whiskies

History, style and where to startThe Famous Grouse official website

2 whiskies

Guide to The Famous Grouse

History

Matthew Gloag, a grocer and wine merchant from Perth, began blending whiskies in the first half of the 19th century. At the end of that century his grandson created a blend called The Grouse, which became so popular that it was soon renamed The Famous Grouse. The family ran it until the 1970s, when it passed to Highland Distillers, the group that later became Edrington. For decades the Glenturret distillery was its visitor centre. The brand is famous in Scotland for its bird and its advertising campaigns.

House style

The Famous Grouse’s style is smooth and balanced: honey, fruit, cereal, spice and a touch of sherry, with a light to medium body. Speyside and Highland malts, partly matured in sherry casks, bring richness. It doesn’t use peat in any marked way. It is a versatile blend, to drink neat, on the rocks or in mixed drinks. The family’s maltier or smokier versions offer more intense variations on the same base.

Average flavour profile of its 2 whiskies in the catalogue

Sweet
2.5
Fresh fruit
1.5
Ripe and dried fruit
1.3
Floral and herbal
0.8
Cereal and malt
1.8
Vanilla and creamy
1.5
Oak
1.3
Spicy
1.8
Toasted
1.5
Smoky
1.5
Maritime
0.5
Body and intensity
2.0

Where to start

The Famous Grouse is the catalogue’s entry and a classic, reliable blend. You’ll like it if you’re after a smooth Scotch with a touch of sherry. If you like it and want something richer, try Naked Malt, which was born in the same family, or a sherried malt such as Tamdhu. Drink it on the rocks or in a long drink with ginger ale, or compare it with other blends in its range, such as Bell’s or Grant’s.

This text was generated and translated by AI and may contain errors. Founding year, owner and official website come partly from Wikidata.

Explore more

The colours of this page are inspired by the look of The Famous Grouse. WhiskyMatch is independent and has no connection with the brand.