The Snow Grouse, Blended Grain, 40%

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.

Seriously chilled Snow Grouse c/othewhiskeynut

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.

Deep frozen. c/othewhiskeynut

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

 

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Scots Club Blended Scotch Whisky 40%

St Andrew is the Patron Saint of Scotland.

November 30th is St Andrew’s Day and Scotland’s National Day.

Some say that the Scots are known for their meanness.

There are even suggestions that for an extra tuppence in the pocket they rejected independence from the UK to stay with The Queen.

Now Brexit has reared it’s head – that tuppence may have been better spent on a bottle of Scots Club Whisky.

At only 16 euro and hailing from a postcode – G2 5RG – identical to that of Jura, Dalmore and other renowned Richard Paterson whiskies – who could resist?

Common whisky address c/othewhiskeynut

Surprisingly smooth, softly sweet & grainy there is not much going on in this non-peated blend, but at that price? I’ve paid more for worse.

A rather apt whisky to celebrate St Andrew’s Day – and the continued struggle for independence.

Sláinte.