Black Grouse scoops top whisky award

Written by Claire Weekes

Tuesday, 12 August 2008

Newly launched whisky brand The Black Grouse has scooped a gold medal in the Scotch whisky category at this year’s International Spirits Challenge.

The Maxxium UK distributed spirit was launched two months ago by The Famous Grouse.

Gerry O'Donnell, director of The Famous Grouse, said: "We are absolutely delighted that The Black Grouse has been recognised by the ISC, beating off stiff competition.

"We are seeing a trend towards more challenging whiskies and flavours and we feel The Black Grouse delivers this on all levels. It gives drinkers keen to embrace a richer peated whisky the opportunity to try this from a trusted premium brand."

The Black Grouse, originally launched in Sweden, has already been listed as The Best New Scotch Blended Whisky in Jim Murray's 2008 Whisky Bible. It was also awarded a Silver Medal for best Premium Blend at this year's Scotch Whisky Masters.

As part of June's UK launch, brand owners The Famous Grouse formed a partnership with the RSPB to donate 50p from every sale towards conservation work.

The International Spirits Challenge sees thousands of spirits from around the globe put to the test by some of the industry's leading spirits experts.