whisky review 550 - Black Grouse blended scotch
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- Опубліковано 1 гру 2024
- . . . a pre-mix sherry-peat-smoke liquor that offers a peat-blended moment for less money than many other whiskies.
This video represents a personal opinion and perspective only.
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I love following the changing background. I’m so curious to hear some stories about some of those things. Especially that goofy robot.
Far too harsh on standard Famous Grouse. For me it's the best blend you can buy. There's a reason why it's so popular
anony mous you like the newer smoky black?
@@Gatordad1717 Smoky black is great! Incredibly underrated and good for the price.
There was a period in which the quality declined terribly. Recent bottlings have gotten much better. This holds for both The Famous Grouse as well as Teachers Highland Cream.
If you havent had a recent bottling of Teachers, I suggest you give it a try, it has nice mainland peat smoke character, similar to The Famous Grouse Smoky Black. That being said, I like Teachers better than the Smoky Black.
Famous Grouse . Absolutely , still the best mass market blended even if , Ralfy , is correct that it was better in the past ............. The Black Grouse is disgusting . Strictly for Islay fans of Iodine and TCP.
I always appreciate your reviews on the less expensive blends and whiskies; they are good to know when one is looking for a good value purchase.
I've noticed this in the shops but never bothered to try it.
Drinking in your company tonight, dosn't get much better than that!
Having an AnCnoc 12 which has become my favorite non Islay whisky.
Quite enjoying your entire catalogue, keep it up!
Cheers!
Hi Ralphy, I was over in Glasgow on holiday this weekend so remembering your one of you videos I thought I'd pop into the Bon Accord. Glad I did great food and a good welcome, really felt at home
Famous Grouse: also perfect for cocktail sauce in a prawn salad; did that yesterday, lovely! Btw I had an Arran 10yo to drink while cooking, now that's different stuff, excellent, so clean and fresh, it gave me a boost! Discovered it thanks to you Ralfy!
Hello, Ralfy. Such whiskies are also great for homemade mixing. It's a good base to mix it with range of malts, young and matured. Bridge between the malts will be common tasting notes. For example - add citrus malt into blend with citrus taste, peat to peat, sherry to sherry and etc.
In Canada, the Black Grouse is definitely not in an Islay style but rather sherried Speyside character. Years ago (ie. 10 or so) it was very peated and smokey but not anymore, at least what we receive in Canada.
Same everywhere now
Fun light-hearted review. :)
Actually know a friend who really loves the Famous Grouse though, but eh, tastes differ. :P
One of the most entertaining vlogs Ralfy ;) I like it when you are right on the ball! If you can make a vlog of this, then why not of the others which you find not upto the mark, so that we as buyers - BEWARE & TAKE CARE!
A few whiskeys, a beer, a cocktail and a wine... and then drive....
You don't need an Ebay breathaliser to tell you that's over the limit...
Chance to hug a tree.
Got a few chuckles from this review ... and yes, very entertaining. Thanks Ralfy, you're the best!
I'm surprised to see a review of it, as I didn't think it would make the mark. Still, it's nice to have another, more experienced, opinion on the matter. Thanks for the review and for sharing another malty-moment, Ralfy.
Its so much cheaper to drink at home, and you dont have to worry about the driving situation...its a winner
Hay Ralfy, long time no see, I bought me some famous grouse this afternoon gotta says it aint bad. I have tasted way worse. It's smooth likable and buzzworthy. Would buy again priced right a bit higher than the cheap shitty ones I have tried so far. PawPaw from Bama
TOTALLY picked up on the ashy note that arrives......and I actually like it.................Nice review from a few moons back on ya ralfy...... GOD BLESS AND SLAINTE!!!!!
I find Black Grouse a difficult whiskey to enjoy. There is just too much grain and ash in the mix. I would give it a sub 80 mark. What did surprise me was a fantastic 8 year old from Aldi called Highland Black. It is well worth a review despite probably only being available in Europe. I hope there is a branch in the IOM. It is great value to a £13 and IMO is as good as most 12 year old blends. Keep up the good work Ralfy your reviews are greatly appreciated.
John B Definitely agree with you on the Black Grouse, tasted it once. I'd like to get my hands on that Highland Black!
Just had a the Black Grouse on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California with a wonderful dinner at the Churchill room. Went well with food. Who knew? Really enjoyed this and ended up bought this when I got home.
I've spent well over $1000 on scotch over the past year and amazingly, this is my new favorite. I prefer this on the rocks. Something about the water and the temperature drop brings out the flavor. This bottle is proof that you dont need to spend loads of money for a good dram. I paid $26 for this stuff and it's better than 15-18 year single malts sitting on my bar.
Very accurate review Ralfy - My wife (tee teetotaller) God Bless her, bought me a bottle of this muck this weekend from Tesco's 'cos was cheap' - I'll try most things but geez - this stuff was Sh**e !
Dumped lots of ice in it to 'kill the ash' but it still came through....It's the only near full bottle of whisky I ever poured down the sink in 37 years of drinking. YUK!!
Haha Ralfy telling it like it is as always! Don't know enough about blends just now, but want to experiment with some of the decent cheapish ones to see what I can mix them with; and save the single malts for another time. :)
Regarding drinking and driving. Ladies and gentlemen, please just don't do it. If you have to call an Uber or a cab do so. Just factor it into the expenses for the night before you even go out. Or have a designated driver who does not drink drive you home. A little bit of common sense and preplaning goes a long way. Have fun, but do so responsibly.
I do like the smoky black, but then I like the standard Grouse too, but the smoky black is the best of the two for me.
I was given a glass of Black Grouse without being told what it was back at Christmas. I didn't mind it. Should've tried it with water!
Just picked a bottle up in Morrison’s supermarket for £15, so not bad for that. 😃
I bought this yesterday for £15 actually really enjoyed it obviously would like it better without the fake tan but at £15 who's complaining.
Great serving suggestion! LOL At the point of buying some blends it's better to get some Tanqueray or Sapphire and add a can of tonic...
I just enjoyed comparing the old and new Johnnie Walker Green Label... Slainte!
Great smoky blend on the rocks...delicious..
Great channel by the way. I've been drinking whisky about ten years but i'm more of a cask ale fan. Really enjoy your tasting notes. Ha ha my wife and i get a bottle of grouse every weekend although i like The Macallan.
I almost bought this today $24.99 here in Michigan. but being a novice Scotch drinker I decided to go with something I know. A pint of GlenFiddich 12 year old.
hi raplhy. Greetings from the netherlands
Maxtorym . . . greetings to the Netherlands.
Seeing you put that Famous Grouse in its place made me laugh so much. I'm a super beginner scotch drinker. Basically had some for the first time a few months ago and, not historically being much of a drinker, went, "I'VE FINALLY FOUND MY DRINK. IT'S BEEN SCOTCH ALL ALONG. I KNEW THIS DAY WOULD COME."
Anyway, the first bottle I bought for myself was Famous Grouse, because it was cheap and my grocery store had it and I'd heard people talk about it before. It's slowly getting drunk, but it's been a disappointment and a struggle every step of the way. So much worse than the other few scotches I've tried since (been experimenting at bars when I can). Worse than Johnnie Walker Black and Red, worse than McClelland's Speyside, etc. I've yet to taste something worse than Famous Grouse, even when I'm trying to go cheap with it.
'Johnnie Walker Black Label' is really nice blended whisky. I guess some people just can't handle the smokiness of some whiskies?!
The famous Grouse is all grain sweetness as I recall. Islay Mist 8 year old is my blend of choice here in Canada. We don't have the 12 sadly.
@12:50 spilled my coffee 😂😂😂 thanks for the lol moments ralfy.
I think your sense of humor is underrated 😆😆
News Flash: The Black Grouse is dead, it's been replaced by the Smoky Black Grouse, it's not the same. There is a reason the Black Grouse cost plenty if you can find a bottle.
Famous Grouse is always a big hit over here in Australia when it comes to Fathers day. It gets promoted halfway to hell and back. Not a bad scotch though for the price.
Have you had the chance to try Chivas Regal Extra yet Ralfy?
I didn’t appreciate how sweet it was. I tend to like more briney, seaweed, peaty flavors. I got it because I suspected that it may be a substitute for some of those Islays that kill my bank account.
Hi Ralfy! You mention peat in this whisky. How does that taste come to be in Whisky? Filtered through it? Added? Thanks for your being here to help us novices out!
+Jack Wood . . . it's a blend do peated Islay malt is added !
+Jack Wood single malts get the peat flavor because the barley used in the whisky is dried by being smoked in burning peat. It literally is the peat you're thinking of too. like moss, twigs, mud composting leaves etc. I've never had this whisky but peated whisky is my favorite
groovy as usual, my friend.
Hi Ralphy, would like to see you do a review of the newer "Smokey black" famous grouse. In my opinion its a step up, tastes like it contains slightly more malt and better quality malt than the Black grouse your reviewing here.
What was the red ingredient in the cocktail, ***** ?
+Andy Cigars . . . grenadine syrup, very fruity !
Hey ralfy, would you recommend famous grouse as an economy blend? I just got a bottle of black grouse and its very good compared to its price. On par with johnnie walker black i'd say.
Also you need to start shooting in 1080p!
Ralfy! I love watching your videos. Here's a unique malt mention for you. Hello you malty heart warriors! Its a shout out for my son, whos my little heart hero. My 2 year Nathan has a condition called Ebsteins Anomaly that affects 1 in 200,000 people and he's had 20 surgeries in his first 2 years of life including 6 open heart surgeries. It would be cool if you gave a mention to all of the little heart warriors out there in one of your videos. Cheers!
1 in 100 people are born with a congenital heart disease. I just like spreading awareness wherever possible. Keep doing the videos, we love them here in the USA.
+Aaron Davies I strongly keep fingers crossed for sons good health malt mate..today is a birthday of the most important human being in my life and i will raise a glass to your heart warrior as well! Cheers mate.
In Sweden you're actually over the limit, it's 0.02 % here and you'd be fined a pretty high amount
Sad to see what's happened. I used to defend The Famous Grouse quite aggressively a few years ago. I need to find a cheap blend. Glenmorangie is burning holes in my pocket.
Hi Ralfy, will you be doing the black grouse alpha edition. saw it in waitrose in more polished packaging than the normal black grouse.
+david brown . . . no plans for that one !
So, should one pay the small extra for a Johnny Double Black????
+BIll Georgoulakis . . . if you want a more smoky result, yes, why not, but complexity is lost over the standard option.
+ralfystuff I meant get the JW Double Black instead of Black Grouse. I am looking for an affordable smokey blended for mixing... Thanks Ralfy, keep those videos coming and we'll keep watching them!
+BIll Georgoulakis I think Ralfy is suggesting that the Double Black is peatier, but it has less complexity than the standard option, namely black label. He mentions this when he reviews double black.
Dear sir how do you feel about Duncan Taylor 12 year or the 18-year the blended Scotch what's your what is your take on this particular Blended
. . . not blends I've come across on my travels, Duncan Taylor used to be a good bottle source about eight years ago !
Much more sherry than there used to be in the Black Grouse, used to be a big blast of briny and somewhat perfumey peat, reminded me of Bowmore. I liked it more, more challenging but I reckon I'm in the minority
Hello Sir. Would you be interested in reviewing one of the single malts from holland? Millstone has made some interesting ones that might be interesting. Greetings from below sea level!
Such a new fan.
ralphy i been finding this kinda like a maple tree sap or what i describe as red beet water smell and taste im finding in most of these bottome to mid shelf blends is? would this be the young grains or corn? seems to be present or keep swtichign around from brand to brand ,noticed it in the past few years
well thx for the love but was wondering if you can tell me what i am describing?
Darling Ralfy, I'm a Bunnahabhain girl but decided to try Ginger Grouse while up in Morayshire. Seeing it's not available back home in the States, could you approximate the flavor with Bundaberg Ginger Beer + Gordon & MacPhail Tamdhu?
Quick question, here in Canada a bottle of Black Grouse costs substantially more than Teacher's ($35 to $24, after tax), yet you gave them very similar ratings. Do you think that it would be worth paying an additional $9 for the Black Grouse?
I agree adding a drop of water improves this whisky. I mean I know the clue is in the name but the smokyness dominates this whisky can't really smell or taste much else if I am honest. Not bad by any means but not something I am a big fan of.
why dont you do a top 5? or top 10? for instance, top 5-10 best canadian whiskeys..best blended scotch..best rye whiskeys..id be interested in your opinion!
hi Ralfy,which is better black grouse or famous Port Wood Finish?
+TheZlantan1926 . . . for me, Black Grouse.
Hello from New Zealand :)
This is my go to whisky for a budget (the black) ($40 nzd)
I really enjoy it.
Nicer than a lot of the more expensive brands Ive tried
Love your reviews ralfy keep up the good work :)
Your a class act! Thanks so much for the knowledge you give. Is there a Evan Williams 1783 review? They call it bottom shelf. I like the bourbon recommendations you have made in the past. Can you recommended a bottom shelf scotch here in the states? I would like to try some.
+rick heller never mind i got a bottle. 5 out of 10
+rick heller ugh... the more I drink the more I don't like it terrible. Rafi do yourself a favor don't buy it
Hi! Greetings from Singapore! Cheers!
Having bought a bottle of this whisky, I wasn't impressed on the nose or mouth. Nothing offensive but I wouldn't buy it again. Left the bottle at someone house. 83 hmm ?, I respect your view.
Finding a good blend with a bit of nip and spice is tough! With Australia being so expensive for spirits I'm finding bourbon and Tennessee whiskey to be better value for money than scotch, particularly blends.
My favourite tipple for nearly a year now has been blackbush bushmills .my landlord a millionaire whom I live on his estate always has famous grouse in the bin so I decided to try it was truly awful and a waste of money .I tried bushmills single malt it's ok but blackbush for me is amazing I love it without ice or cola .with cola it feels a decadent whiskey and coke.would love to know your balckbush review !
Ralfy... have you (or anyone) tried the Cutty Sark "Prohibition" blend?
its 50% abv at $26. and readily available in the States.
Catching flies in Florida... Ralfy just made a mixed drink on a whisky review! :-)
hi, ralfy can you tell me something about the famous grouse 12 years blended malt whisky?
missed seeing a new review today! hope u are okay!
God bless & keep u safe!
Raphly good luck on the salt flats outside of Salt Lake City...............
Hi Ralfy,
Which auctions sites would you recommended?
I am trying to find a rare bottle the OCTOMORE X 4, any suggestions will be appreciated.
Cheers
Andy
+Andrew Liddell . . . try scotchwhiskyauctions, good luck !
Ralfy have you tried Asda's own Islay single malt? Think it's just called Extra Special Islay malt, but was only £20 a bottle and I found it to be a quality dram and good value for money/ if you can find one on the shelves that is!
I was in ambulance service for 15 years. I loath drink drivers , they are the scum of the earth. Basically if you get in a car drunk you are saying you are prepared to kill people. Great advice and video, thanks.
Just found your channel recently and I love it! We've picked up the famous grouse a few times and liked it ok (better than some others at a lower price point that we've tried), so we decided to try the black and we kept getting this horrible iodine/medicine-y taste at the end that was just awful. Would that be the ashy note you mention or could you tell me what it might be so I don't ever get anything with that in it again lol? Thank you! :)
That would likely be the peaty/smokey whisky that this is blended with. It is an aquired taste
A glass of Black Grouse and a box Terva Leijona... Yum. :)
And maybe a few drops of gin...
Ralphy!! How does The Famous Grouse Smoky Black compare? Is it a new formula?
. . . not tried it yet !
trying a bottle of the famous grouse recently along with dewars white label, to my surprise the grouse label say it is matured in sherry casks and supposedly ncf ,other reviews are saying this and on there website they say higher temp firltering so is there soemthing to that? yet there is no mention of sherry cask finishing on there site only on the label which i found strange and can not recollect if this was always the case with the flagship bottle nontheless indeed i smell and taste up front the orange dark chockolate i associate with sherry ,had a slight bitter finish i did not like much but was tolreable but this has subsided or went away after some air in the bottle and trying it again the next day ,the dewars is a slight less robust version with simillar taste perhaps a better sipper for it also im told has some sherry influence ,i detect it slightly so yes its there perhaps from some of the wiskies in it and not necessarly a finish of the final blend ,to me both are not bad sippers even on ice but im sure the famous grouse does well in a mixer too but yess a little water helps with famous
have you tried the Smoky Black edition?
Hallo Ralfy!
Following your reviews from 2011 now, but I'm still a whisky-novice. Didn't have the chance to try a lot of malts yet, but I do like Glenfiddich 12y and Glenlivet 12y. They're my guilty pleasure when I got some time for myself, which only happens once a month. Anything in the same range you can recommand? I would love something enjoyable yet different than the ones I mentioned and affordable.
Probably too many choices left...
Anyway, thank you in advance!
Try Highland Park 12 yo if you want to go slighty smokier. Old Pulteney 12 yo is beautiful as well. Otherwise Glenmorangie Original is a reasonable step up from Glenfiddich. Good luck :)
LordTenderloin Thank you kindly for the recommendations. :) Old Pulteney 12y happens to be on my wishlist for some time now. I'll first (re)watch the whisky reviews of each. Cheers!
I will have to look out for the electronic Breathalyser thingy's Ralfy. Thanks for the review, though Famous Grouse, is a blend I just wouldn't buy anymore. I thought us, Yorkshire Lads were tight, but the way you got the last drops, out of the tonic water bottle, I reckon you Scotch Lads, are worse than we are.
Nice review. At it's price point Famous Grouse is okay. Plastic isn't safe for the ecosystems on planet Earth though Ralfy. Glass every time, just handle with care.
FG 12yr Blended Malt?
Hi Ralfy what's the red syrup you have there, if you don't mind me asking?
Hi, it looks like Fruiss Creative Grenadine Syrup as a 70cl bottle, used in various cocktail mixers... Though I sometimes like to mix grouse with disaronno and blue Curaçao equal measures and a dash of sweet n sours known as a Macbeth (emerald green drink) if your from UK they stock it in supermarkets at the shots/cocktail aisle
+MikeAesir many thanks for the info, its been most helpful, I will have a look out the next time I am in town.
Ralphy! Greetings from Murica! Another bourbon series soon pretty please? =}
Ralfy, they've changed the name of this blend, here in the USA. It's now called, Famous Grouse Smoky Black ...
same name here in the UK now...smoky black it is
Hi Ralfy! I have a bottle right here and it is 43%, is this another "version" or just a mistake?
Your videos are really something else! I've watched a lot of them over the years, it's great that you do this! Congratulations!
Andre Rebuffi A lot of bottles, as offered in the UK, come in at 40% because of taxation rules. Exports are generally at higher ABV.
The latest smokey black or whatever nomenclature they are using is not bad... And I do get a little bit of macallan on the taste..Its far from awful.
How about Black Grouse Alpha Edition?
ralfystuff The beginning of the movie, it's so FUNNY! Keep going with the good humor and the great reviews.
Hello Ralfy.
Love your videos! But will you do a review on Lidl's Abrachan scotch whisky?
Hi there, i drink whiskey since only a short time, haven't tried any single malts yet, i wanted to know the more basic ones first. Now i think i have a basic knowledge about finest whiskys, i want to try single malts. What could u recommend for a beginner like me? Sorry for my bad english, its not my mothertongue.
+Márton Pintér If you have a chance, buy yourself some 3-4 miniatures (for instance..Highland Park 12, Benromach 10, Glenkinchie 12, Glenmorangie Lasanta 12; Springbank 10..) and make your own decision.. If thats not possible I assume that at least (0.7 L) Highland Park 12 would be avaliable in some decent liquer shops wher you live. Cheers.
+Márton Pintér . . . look out for Highland Park 12yo
Hi Ralfy! I have to ask you what is wrong using with using an cube of ice as opposed to a splash? I like my whiskey's on the cold side. Just a personal preference, I guess. Many master distillers agree that the spirit needs to be watered a bit so as not to anesthetize the tongue, I agree. I would love to see you do a tasting as you normally do, then do one with the same whiskey with a perfectly clear cube of ice from the spring and see if there is a difference! After all, fair is fair and as respected as you are, your opinion matters! The rotor blades are tied down for the night and a helicopter malt salute to you,
Cheers,
Rich
Rich206L . . . Ice cools spirits and reduces the smell and flavour, simple as that, only as the ice melts and the temperature inside the glass goes up will you notice the full experience.
***** well, similar to water right ? higher temperature makes water evaporate and even can produce steam that gives you smell and flavour of what it contain. the difference is alcohol have more ability to vaporize in room temperature than ordinary water right ? wondering what would happen if i try to boil some whiskey, will i get more smell and flavour ? haha just joking....
The Famous Grouse isn't THAT bad. I mean I rather liked it's warm caramel taste. It's far from being a fav of mine and I don't think I will buy it again, but I was still able to drink a whole 33cl bottle of it completely straight over the course of a weekend. At least it's not jagermeister :(
Yager bombs are great.
any chance of a Re review or a quick opinion on Green note Ralfy?
+mmiiichaeljjjfoxx . . . I will look out for it !
+ralfystuff it's very smooth, but i'm wondering if you think a lot of flavour has been lost in triple distillation. it goes down easy nonetheless. cheers for reply! thanks,
Ralfy, pubs are DYING all over the UK because people drink at home!
was that a fever tree tonic? i do enjoy a good G&T though
Oh my, what happened to your Three Legs of Man on the bothy wall?!
Eric Thayer You are right! Perhaps the Bothy has been transported and recreated by Bonville Salt Flats so Ralfy can keep in training.
Question . Why is your whisk 40 % and in South Africa all 43 % . This Black Grouse is a good example.
thanks ralfy
Ralfy: Rock Town has released their straight bourbon, aged 3 years (stated on the bottle) and their Bottled in Bond Bourbon, aged 4 years (also stated on the bottle). Only available in Arkansas right now. You should come on down and see us sometime.
I'll get you next time Ralfy, next time...
I´m new in the “whisky business” and I loved the black grouse, but I did not tasted many whiskies yet.
I´m loving your youtube channel!
Is there a Doctor Who TARDIS in the back!?