The Famous Grouse Smoky Black Scotch Whisky
The Famous Grouse Smoky Black Scotch Whisky is a 750mL blended Scotch whisky bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) — the smoky expression of Scotland's famous Grouse, blended with more peated malts than the house blend, including, per the brand, a rare peated version of The Glenturret single malt. Launched in September 2015 as the successor to The Black Grouse, it pours dark and russet-golden per the brand's notes. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL (US bottling)
- Style: Blended Scotch whisky — the peated expression of The Famous Grouse
- Origin: Scotland
- Composition: Malt and grain whiskies with an increased share of peated malts, including a rare peated Glenturret per the brand; proportions undisclosed
- Lineage: Launched September 2015, relaunching and renaming The Black Grouse
The Grouse, With Smoke
The blend began in Perth in 1896, when Matthew Gloag — of the family grocery and wine firm Matthew Gloag & Son — created a whisky he called The Grouse; it proved so popular that by 1905 it had been renamed The Famous Grouse, with Matthew's daughter Phillippa drawing the red grouse that still fronts the label. The smoky branch of the family came later: a peated special version, The Black Grouse, was first developed in 2007 for the Swedish market, and in September 2015 it was relaunched as Smoky Black — new name, tinted-glass bottle, and a profile the launch's master blender, Gordon Motion, described as matching The Black Grouse, enhanced with peated Glenturret. The brand has since changed hands — Edrington agreed to sell The Famous Grouse to William Grant & Sons in 2024, with the sale approved in 2025. Browse the range on the The Famous Grouse vendor page and more blends in our whisky collection.
Tasting Notes
Per the brand's official notes: a smoky, soft and musky nose, rich and full; a palate of full flavour, spice and dried fruit, with smoke through the oak; and a long, smoky, aromatic finish. Dark, russet-golden in the glass, clear and bright.
How to Enjoy
Neat or with a splash of water to lift the smoke, and a natural fit for a Rob Roy. More peated and blended Scotch is in our whisky collection and the full range in our spirits collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Smoky Black the same as The Black Grouse?
It is its successor — Smoky Black launched in September 2015 as the relaunch and rename of The Black Grouse, with the profile enhanced, per the launch's master blender, with peated Glenturret.
What makes Smoky Black smoky?
A higher share of peated malts than the core Famous Grouse blend — including, per the brand, a rare peated version of The Glenturret single malt, which the brand calls unique to this blend. Proportions are not disclosed.
How old is The Famous Grouse brand?
The blend was created in Perth in 1896 as The Grouse and renamed The Famous Grouse in 1905 on the strength of its popularity; the red grouse on the label was first drawn by the founder's daughter, Phillippa Gloag.
The Perth classic, turned smoky — order The Famous Grouse Smoky Black Scotch Whisky online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.