The Black Grouse is already well hung with a multitude of accolades, however the heaviest blend of the Grouse Family can now also rely on a gold award from the prestigious IWSC, and if that doesn’t persuades for a sip, is was appraised as “the best new blended Scotch” by Jim Murray, which solely might be enough of a benchmark. Finally coming to the essential part, the Black Grouse is a fine consolidation of various peaty Islay malts and the classic smooth Famous Grouse expression creating a deep pale gold toned spirit with a smoky scent refined with a gentle honey sweetness and an oak note. The flavoursome layers of taste are led by a full-bodied peat softened by a decent honey note and deepened by vanilla and liquorice ultimately leading to a firm finish.