As it’s St Andrew’s Day – a Scotch review is in order.
The UK is on the cusp of change. Brexit raises the possibility of a split with Europe – a big chunk of the whisky market – and Independence for Scotland.
Changes are also occurring in the whisky world. New brands, new countries and new styles are pressurising the pole position enjoyed by Scotch.
That position was achieved back in the early 1900’s by the adoption of new technology allowing a new style of whisky to rise to the fore – blended whisky.
One brand that has had immense success with that style is Famous Grouse.
The Snow Grouse is one of their newer releases.
A blended grain – rarely encountered – much like the proud bird on the attractive label – a Ptarmigan.
This species of Grouse inhabits the higher & often snow covered ground of the Scottish Mountains.
The clever marketing suggests ‘freezing’ the whisky – much like the birds habitat – which goes against the – ahem – grain of allowing the whisky to sit at room temperature to enjoy the aromas.
So I did.
Bad move.
The nose was decidedly silent – apart from a healthy dose of added caramel.
Ice cool on the palate – unnaturally sweet – oily & viscous on the mouth.
No warmth here for me.
I enjoy the marketing and the added theatrics of freezing – but the overall experience just leaves me cold.
Any soft or delicate notes exhibited by the grain have been frozen out & drowned by added caramel.
At room temperature it was far more palatable.
Slàinte
WestmeathWhiskeyWorld 