The Famous Grouse Ceramic Decanter
70cl / 40% (OUT OF STOCK)
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- Malt type: Blended
- Region: Scotland
Collectible ceramic versions of Scotland’s best-selling blend, issued as gift and anniversary pieces from the 1970s through the 1990s.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | Matthew Gloag & Son (Edrington) / Scotland (Blended Scotch) |
| Category | Blended Scotch Whisky (Commemorative Decanter) |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | NAS / Various editions (e.g. 1896–1996 Highland Decanter 100 Years) / Bottled 1970s–2000s |
| ABV & Size(s) | Varies, commonly 40% or 43% ABV / 70cl or 75cl |
| Cask / Treatment | House Famous Grouse blend built on Highland Park and The Macallan malts plus grain |
| Natural Colour | No (E150a used) |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | No |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | Varies; 1996 100 Years decanter limited to 500 numbered bottles |
| Intended channel | Gift market / collector-oriented retail |
| Packaging | Wade/porcelain/other ceramic decanter, often hand-decorated, usually boxed (wooden or satin-lined) |
| Notes on discrepancies | Multiple ceramic shapes and dates exist; 1996 centenary with 500 bottles is the clearest, most collectible edition |
Historical Context
Famous Grouse dates to 1896 and became one of the UK’s most recognisable blends thanks to the Perth-based firm Matthew Gloag & Son. Through the 1970s and 1980s, ceramic or porcelain decanters became a popular way to premiumise a standard blend, and The Famous Grouse followed suit with stag- and grouse-themed ceramics. The 1996 Highland Decanter 100 Years release tied the format directly to the brand’s centenary and fixed the run at 500 bottles, giving that edition a firm footing with collectors. All of them contain the house blend of the era, meaning a good proportion of Highland Park and The Macallan alongside grain, so the liquid is representative of 1980s–1990s Grouse.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
Core liquid: blended Scotch, coloured, chill-filtered, bottled at standard strengths of the time. Differentiation comes from the ceramic, the date, the stated edition and, occasionally, the ABV.
Documented variants
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43% ABV, 75cl, 1970s–1980s generic ceramic decanter
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40% ABV, 70cl, 1996 Highland Decanter 100 Years, 500 numbered bottles
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Other 40% ABV 70cl porcelain decanters, non-numbered, 1980s–1990s
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Packaging Type | Era cues | Relative desirability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40% | 70cl | Numbered Wade/porcelain decanter | 1996 Centenary, 500 bottles | Highest |
| 43% | 75cl | Older ceramic decanter | 1970s–1980s, higher strength | High |
| 40% | 70cl | Generic ceramic decanter | 1980s–1990s, no numbering | Moderate |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
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Ceramic must show The Famous Grouse branding and the correct anniversary text if 1996.
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Numbered editions should have a matching certificate or at least a clear bottle number.
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Check for chips, cracks, rubbed gilt or paint loss.
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Check fill carefully: long-stored ceramics can lose spirit through corks.
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Wooden or satin-lined box materially increases value.
Regulatory/terminology notes
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This remains a Blended Scotch Whisky irrespective of decanter shape.
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NAS is normal.
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Colouring and chill filtration are standard for the brand.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
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Nose: Malty and honeyed with soft dried citrus, gentle smoke and light sherry tones.
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Palate: Medium-bodied, caramel, malt biscuits, light sherry, soft spice, touch of smoke from HP component.
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Finish: Medium, clean, vanilla and mild peat.
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With water: Not required at 40–43%.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
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Original RRP: not stated (sold as giftware).
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Current UK retail: £89.90–£179.00 depending on edition, box and condition.
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UK/EU auction: £40.00–£120.00, with boxed 1996 centenary at the upper end.
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Pricing is highly condition-sensitive; low fill or chipped ceramic falls to the bottom of the band.
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Liquidity: good for generic ceramics; moderate for the 500-bottle centenary.
Price Snapshot
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retail | Recent | 70cl, 40%, generic ceramic | 89.90 | No box |
| Auction | Recent | 75cl, 43%, 1970s/80s ceramic | 75.00 | Good condition |
| Auction | Recent | 70cl, 40%, 1996 centenary, boxed | 120.00 | Rarity premium |
