The Famous Grouse
Blended Scotch | 40% ABV
Score: 4/10
Some Promise.
TL;DR
Re-evaluate things that don’t seem great on first glance
Grousing about Dramface
Everybody loves a moan at some point. Some like me enjoy a proper grouse and when I first became aware of Dramface I had the steam for a proper rant. I mean, what is a Dramface? Do I need one?
To start with I didn’t have a clue. According to the Dramface, whisky demands that I have one.
Being quite honest, the only thing I get demanded by when thinking of whisky is that I pay at least £14 for a basic 70cl bottle, which in some cases is still a rip off.
I wasn’t the only one confused about what a Dramface was. Many people were wondering what was going on with the sudden appearance of a new site which seemed to be very slick, very professional and very… well, weird. Aliases were being used and it was hard to work out what was going on. Due to the professionalism of the site, I suspected it to be industry orientated and funded. Seeing as I am on whisky social media for a bit of fun and not to be a target for whisky marketeers, it was immediately dismissed. If whisky was to demand anything of me then it was going to be sent to the naughty step like my five year old when they start to demand things.
During the minor self-generated kerfuffle that briefly followed, somebody commented on a post enquiring, “When did whisky stop being fun?” Being of a grumpy nature, I stop to question everything, especially if it’s asking to give up cash. It’s in my Scottish nature that if something is asking for cash online from me, then it has to be suspicious and maybe not fun. The exception would be if there is a delivery made a few days after I’ve paid. Plus, isn’t it suspicious that people hide their identities to review or post comment about whisky if it’s supposed to be fun? It looked a wee bit childish to me. Who the hell is Wally Macaulay?
Something smelt bad…
Thankfully, a member of the team reached out to me, which resulted in a lengthy video call in which we chewed the fat over whisky, how we saw things and what Dramface was about. Once the metaphorical curtain had been lowered enough for me to see over at the riches that abounded, I had my epiphany like Paul the apostle on the road to Damascus, such was the degree of my about-turn in attitude.
“It’s totally nuts that I’m being asked to review Famous Grouse on my first outing for Dramface, hence the picture, but here goes…”
I was then asked to do something; I was asked to write a little about how I now felt about Dramface, or contribute when I felt I had something to give. No pressure. I felt it would be good to start a new project to keep things fresh which promptly led to a spell of writer’s block. Not even whisky could inspire me. So, to get this show back on the road, let’s have a brief Q&A with this new convert to the cause.
What is Dramface?
It’s anything you want it to be. While some are using aliases to protect their identity, this is to ensure they have the freedom not to compromise themselves should they be an industry professional. This will help the site get the insights that so many other sites may lack due to people often having to keep to a company line.
What is your Dramface?
Ah-ha! That is my secret. I prefer to be serious but slightly irreverent. I’m keeping my alias, as I now see the fun I can have with it – although I don’t expect it’ll take long for people to discover my identity. My alias is very apt for the area I live in. Understanding Gaelic place names helps.
What does whisky demand?
I think whisky does demand something, It demands it’s enjoyed responsibly. It demands you don’t take it too seriously and enjoy it however you want, even if that is with Coke. But it also wants you to enjoy your experience with others, whether it’s learning more about your drink, or just being part of a community that shares a common interest. So many different people, drinks and opinions. Dramface is a place for these to be shared.
Do I have to pay money to enjoy Dramface?
No. While whisky does demand some things, it doesn’t demand money like a bailiff after you’ve failed to pay your council tax. And neither does Dramface. Whether you join or buy the merchandise, this is entirely up to you, but this is a self-funded site. As was said to me on my video call, the people are more important than the cash. However, supporting Dramface will help cover its costs and maintain the site as a high quality place for information, opinion and maybe even a little bit of entertainment. It’s my firm belief this will be the premier site on the internet for all people interested in whisky, whatever their level of knowledge and experience.
Is whisky still fun?
Almost certainly, yes. My view is whisky is just the common bond to bring us together. The real fun is with the people involved. Without people, whisky is nothing in my opinion.
What’s your favourite dram?
A free one. I’m not fussy. Just maybe not Bell’s. If it’s your round and you’re on a budget, I’ll settle for a Famous Grouse. Speaking of which…
Review
Blended scotch, 40% ABV
£8-£25 in a variety of sizes, in all retailers
Sometimes you need to have a grouse. A Famous Grouse. The ubiquitous Scottish blend, owned by Edrington. As the owners of the brand also own Glenrothes, Highland Park and Macallan, plus a share of the North British grain whisky distillery, it’s possibly safe to assume there are components of each within. Of course, I’ll never know. With such illustrious components, will this make a cracker of a blend?
Nose
Malt, buttery caramels, Werther’s Originals, a hint of dried cereal along with some orange peel.
Palate
Quite sweet with a light to medium mouthfeel. A slight bit of alcohol burn on the arrival but gives way to flavours of malted barley, sultanas, butterscotch, gingernut biscuits and ends in a slight smokiness. The finish gives a more biscuity taste, a slight astringency and a suggestion of grain whisky.
The Dregs
I like this whisky. It’s an easy drinking trip down memory lane of childhood hot toddies. It’s not a serious contender to any whisky a dedicated whisky nerd might have on their shelves, and I doubt whisky connoisseurs would actually admit to enjoying a Famous Grouse.
Regardless of how popular this whisky is, it’s not without its flaws. I find it slightly unbalanced towards the grain whisky side. However, there are much worse single malts available and a cheap price gives it one more point than the 3/10 it probably deserves. Another bonus is there’s a 35cl bottle which gives you an even cheaper option for those visitors on whom great whisky will be wasted.
Score: 4/10
Tried this? Share your thoughts in the comments below. KD
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