The Famous Grouse Bourbon Cask Blended Scotch Whisky 750ml
DescriptionThe Famous Grouse, Scotland's favorite bird, spreads its wings across the Atlantic with this bourbon cask expression. By finishing their signature blend in American oak that previously held bourbon, Famous Grouse creates a accessible whisky that bridges Scottish tradition with American influence. It's a clever innovation that adds vanilla sweetness and extra complexity to an already popular blend.
The nose shows immediate bourbon cask influence with pronounced vanilla, caramel, and a hint of coconut. But the Famous Grouse character remains evident—honey, gentle malt, and a subtle fruitiness that speaks to the Highland and Speyside components in the blend. There's a creamy quality, like vanilla custard, balanced by gentle spices and the faintest hint of oak. The grain whisky component seems enhanced by the bourbon casks, adding sweet corn notes that complement rather than dominate. It's approachable and inviting.
On the palate, this expression demonstrates how bourbon casks can enhance a blend without overwhelming it. The texture is smooth and slightly creamy, with the American oak adding richness to Famous Grouse's inherently light character. Flavors of butterscotch and vanilla dominate initially, followed by honey and gentle malt sweetness. The bourbon influence brings additional notes—toffee apples, cinnamon, and that characteristic coconut—while maintaining the blend's essential balance. Mid-palate reveals subtle complexity with hints of citrus and gentle spice.
What makes this bourbon cask version successful is its restraint. Rather than creating a bourbon-dominated Scotch, Famous Grouse has used American oak to enhance their blend's existing qualities. The additional sweetness and vanilla notes make this particularly approachable for those transitioning from bourbon to Scotch, while maintaining enough Scottish character to satisfy traditional drinkers. It's a bridge between whisky cultures, executed with commercial savvy.
The finish is medium-length and pleasantly sweet, with vanilla and honey lingering alongside gentle oak spices. A subtle dryness at the end prevents any cloying sensation and cleanses the palate. For everyday drinking, this offers an affordable twist on a classic blend. For mixing, the bourbon influence adds extra depth to whisky cocktails. Sometimes innovation doesn't require revolution—just a thoughtful evolution of an established favorite. Famous Grouse's bourbon cask proves that even Scotland's most traditional bird can learn new songs.
