That Keith. That rebel. That maverick. That trickster. Keith set up an absolute blind tasting. Three bottles, already decanted so no hints with bottle shape, numbered (imaginatively) 1 to 3. Then random number selection by the crew, just to mix up the consumption order as well.
Further wrinkle… Not even sticking with single malts, the heathen put together three blends. He’s a sly dog, that one.
Round 1: The Famous Grouse
Cost: $28 CDN
Region: Scotland
Fun Facts:
The Famous Grouse blend was conceived by a Perth based grocer and drinks merchant named Matthew Gloag.
Today, the Famous Grouse is the second best-selling blended Scotch whisky in the UK and the 32nd biggest drinks brand worldwide. Furthermore, it is heralded as Scotland’s favourite drink. The blend is made up of noteworthy components; whisky from The Macallan, The Glenrothes and Highland Park are included, though 65% of the spirit content is made up of grain whisky.
NSC Comments:
Colour: Copper to Gold
Nose: Fruity, Floral
Palate: Pleasant on the palate, wee bit of smoke, oily
Finish: Quick drop off for some, long for others (sigh)
Drinkability: 7.4,7.0,6.9
Notes: Water helps, but it is not necessary
A lovely drink.
Round 2: Johnnie Walker 12 Year Old Black Label
Cost: $65 CDN
Region: Scotland
Fun Facts:
The classic 12 Year Old Black Label is a blend majoring on Diageo’s Four Corners of Scotland distilleries Clynelish in the Highlands, Cardhu on Speyside, malt from Glenknichie and grain from Cameronbridge with a little smoke from Caol Ila.
NSC Comments:
Colour: Mahogany to Copper
Nose: Not much nose
Palate: Citrus or Cherry, Oily
Finish: Short Finish
Drinkability: 5.6,4.5,5.0
Notes: I’d drink it, but I’m not going hunting the shelves to buy it.
The grain is showing through…
H2O doesn’t hurt it, but doesn’t help it either
Bonus Round: Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old
Cost: $166 CDN
Region: Scotland
Fun Facts:
Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old (or “Aged 18 Years”) is a terrific blended Scotch whisky from the world-famous range, which features a combination of up to 18 different whiskies, including the likes of Cardhu, Glen Elgin, Auchroisk and Blair Athol, among others.
