The Famous Grouse 18 Year Old occupies a significant historical place in the taxonomy of Scotch whisky. This expression is classified as a Blended Malt Scotch Whisky. This technical distinction is crucial: Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (historically known as Vatted Malt) is defined as a blend composed solely of two or more Single Malt Scotch Whiskies from different distilleries, specifically excluding any grain whisky component.

The Edrington Pedigree: A Vatted Masterpiece

The exceptional quality of the Famous Grouse 18 Year Old stems directly from the pedigree of its components. The brand is owned by the Edrington Group, which also owns Macallan, Highland Park, and Glenturret. Macallan provides the rich, deep sherried sweetness and structure, while Highland Park contributes complexity, gentle Orkney smoke, and a unique savory "funk". Eighteen years of quiet development allows the spirit to achieve a profound complexity that younger blends cannot replicate.

The Economic Time Capsule and Discontinuation

The Famous Grouse 18 Year Old was discontinued around 2010. This was an economic necessity driven by escalating demand for the component single malts. When this expression was actively marketed, its original MSRP hovered around $70. The decision to allocate such highly aged, sherried stocks to a blended product at such a competitive price point became financially unsustainable. Any current bottle of the 18 Year Old represents stocks that, if bottled today as a Macallan or Highland Park, would command an exponentially higher valuation.

Technical Choices: Power, Texture, and Balance at 43% ABV

A significant technical feature is its bottling strength of 43% ABV. This elevation above the industry standard of 40% ABV contributes directly to an enhanced mouthfeel and richer texture. Even considering chill-filtration, the higher proof preserves the richness and mitigates potential flattening. The 18 Year Old is recognized as the driest and spiciest of the historical age-stated Grouse line.

Sensory Depth: Notes of Sherry and Time

• Colour: Deep, radiant amber.

• The Nose (Aroma): Classic notes of raisins, prunes, cherries jubilee, and red table grapes, accompanied by the aroma of old, musty oak. Further notes include vanilla bean, Granny Smith apple, lemon, star anise, leather, and milk chocolate, culminating in gentle Highland Park smoke.

• The Palate (Taste): Extremely rich and balanced. Initial impression reminiscent of cherry-vanilla ice cream. Driven by dry spice, toasted oak, and wood tannins, which balance the underlying sweetness of caramel and molasses.

• The Finish: Long and warming, emphasizing persistent dry spice and lingering oak.

Famous Grouse 18 YO Blended Malt: Historical Profile

III. Famous Grouse 10 Year Old Blended Malt

The Famous Grouse 10 Year Old Blended Malt is categorized as a Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, affirming that the contents are 100% malt whisky. Produced and sold before the economic pressures of the single malt boom, this expression reflects a commitment to quality ingredients that include The Macallan and Highland Park.

Sensory Profile: Light, Smooth, and Highly Approachable

Bottled at the standard 40% ABV, the 10 Year Old Blended Malt was designed for smoothness.

• The Nose (Aroma): Smooth and delicate. Complexity includes clear sherry notes, a touch of malt, and brown sugar sweetness. Flowers and fresh apple notes are also prominent.

• The Palate (Taste): Exceptionally smooth. Centered on the malt, exhibiting notes of apples and a slight hint of lemon. Underlying influence of sherry is evident, supported by toffee and soft spices with a malty texture.

• The Finish: Medium in length, primarily sweet. Closing notes of toffee and honey, with a very faint hint of smoke confirming the Highland Park component.

Famous Grouse 10 YO Blended Malt: Key Specifications