The Naked Malt (700ML)

An interesting addition to the Famous Grouse range, this was aged in first-fill sherry casks and is based around malt whisky from Highland Park and Macallan. Packaged very simply, this is a superb value-for-money blend. Now the expression is being relaunched as a standalone brand made from a selection of malt whiskies but without any grain, offering a ‘more robust’ flavour than its blended predecessor.  The new 40% abv Naked Grouse blended malt has been made from a selection of malt whiskies – including Glenturret, Highland Park and Macallan – matured in first-fill and refill American and European oak casks, and then finished in first-fill oloroso Sherry butts for a further six months.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Smooth and oily with notes of cherry compote, buttered granary toast, malt, custard and peach.

Palate: Sherried and thick with notes of sultanas, sticky toffee pudding, raspberry jam, Victoria sponge, custard and crème caramel.

Finish: Medium, with notes of cocoa, oak and just a soupcon of smoke on the very tail.