Famous Grouse 18 Year

This vintage, likely discontinued before 2011, might be from 2005-2007, though my bottle's code suggests 2008 or 2011, possibly varying for the US market. It's a rare and excellent find, often overlooked due to its obscurity. It's believed to be an Edrington product, a blend of Macallan, Highland Park, and possibly Glenturret and/or Glenrothes. This represents Macallan from its golden era, using pre-1994 Golden Promise barley and aged in fine sherry casks. It's Highland Park and Macallan before their surge in popularity and subsequent shift to NAS expressions. It's like traveling back 9-12 years to sample these superb whiskies near their peak quality – 18-year-old Macallan and Highland Park (plus Glenturret and Glenrothes) distilled around 30 years ago! SEEK THIS OUT. Nose: Sherry sweetness, fruity, malty, no sulphur. A fantastic aroma. Palate: Mild sherry on the tongue, a bit of oak spice, peppery, ending with mild smoke (from Highland Park). Very smooth and refined on the palate. A nice hint of malt. Finish: A good but not excessively long duration. It fades into peppery smoke with a slight drying sensation. This is one of the most effortlessly drinkable scotches I've ever experienced, making me nostalgic for the era of the Whisky Loch and the availability of great, affordable single malt scotch. Compared to my 2019 Macallan 18 Fine Oak, this is far superior. Exceptional spirits still exist, but this is like a spectral echo of the past, reminding us of what has been lost. I'll savor this wonderful period of great whisky until the bottle is empty, which I fear will be soon... cheers.

About a year ago, I acquired the FG collection 3x35cl (18yo, 10yo, Original) at auction, though I can't recall the exact place. I shared the 18yo with a friend, and we finished the 35cl bottle without even realizing it. Very smooth and silky with prominent sherry notes. It's sweet, but not excessively so. Mouthwatering, with a finish that's warm, slightly dry, and has hints of black tea. I couldn't detect any smoke, which is unusual for a Highland Park expression.

Quite remarkable. The nose had an earthy quality, and the palate offered cola and cherry, with a finish resembling a flat cherry Coke. Drank this at a nondescript bar in Chicago, near the river. Had never seen the bottle before.

Deep, opulent notes of toffee, caramel, rich dark chocolate, and cooked dark fruits. This superb blend is said to come from Macallan and Highland Park. It's masterfully crafted, mouthwatering, decadent, and leaves a pleasant, lingering smooth finish. It's a shame it's no longer produced.