Whisky Review/Tasting: Snow Grouse

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Scotland
Type: Blended Grain Whisky
Distillation and Maturation Process: Made from cereals, typically wheat, for higher alcohol yield. It's a blend from several distilleries, potentially including Cameron Bridge, Carsebridge, North British, and Port Dundas.
Age Statement: Likely young, given its affordability and market positioning.
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but implied to be colored.
Bottle Design: Initially featured an etched surface for a satin look, now replaced with a simpler ice crystal design on cheaper glass. The bottle has two labels, front and back.

Balance of Flavors: Described as soft, with no extreme aromas, indicating a balanced but not overly complex profile.
Unique Characteristics: Noted for its smoothness and lack of bitterness despite a spicy note. Flavors include a little sweetness, licorice, and oakiness, with a warm and long aftertaste.
Comparison: Distinct from single malt whiskies, offering a different experience more characteristic of blended grain whiskies.

Anecdotes: The Snow Grouse is a line extension of the Famous Grouse, a leading brand of blended whisky in Scotland. The Famous Grouse is symbolized by a moor chicken, which is a game bird hunted in Scotland.
Production Insights: The Edrington Group, which owns the brand, does not own a grain distillery, hence the grain whisky is sourced from multiple distilleries.

Historical Context: The Famous Grouse has a strong identity in Scotland, being the country's biggest brand of blended whisky. The home of the Famous Grouse, Glenturret Distillery, features a large bronze statue of the grouse.
Geographical Significance: The whisky reflects the Scottish tradition of blending and the use of grain whisky, showcasing the country's distilling practices.

Horst Luening's Opinion: He expresses curiosity about the recommendation to serve the whisky from the freezer, suggesting it might be to mask lesser quality or off-flavors. However, he finds the whisky to be smooth, mellow, and pleasantly surprising in its lack of bitterness and alcohol burn.
Quote: "This does not really taste like a whiskey I know or I'm used to."

Snow Grouse is a blended grain whisky from Scotland, likely young and colored, with a simple bottle design.
It offers a soft, balanced flavor profile with notes of sweetness, licorice, and oakiness, distinct from single malt whiskies.
Part of the Famous Grouse brand, it reflects Scottish blending traditions and the use of grain whisky.
Horst Luening finds it smooth and mellow, with a unique flavor profile that differs from typical whiskies.

For Beginners: Its smoothness and lack of alcohol burn make it a good entry-level whisky, especially for those new to grain whiskies.
For Whisky Enthusiasts: Those interested in exploring the diversity of Scotch whisky beyond single malts may find the Snow Grouse intriguing.
For Collectors: The story and brand significance of the Famous Grouse, coupled with the unique bottle design history, might appeal to collectors interested in brand extensions and design evolution.