The Famous Grouse 12

I've had this bottle open for two months now. I picked this up after I purchased The Famous Grouse 18, which in my opinion, is one of the best "bang for the buck" whiskies out there. FG 12 is like its older 18yo sibling: a blend of mostly Macallan and Highland Park--of course, both a minimum of 12 years resting in their finest oak barrels. I love any of the HP and Mac range. So, this being a blend of those fine distilleries, I was curious to try it.

Nose: Lots of Apple. Vanilla, a good dose of oak, a subtle "HP'ish" smoke. Palate: Big apples. Probably the most apple I've had in any single malt. Butter scotch, sweet sultanas, vanilla, caramel, a bit of some tropical fruit, can't quite put my finger on it, but maybe something likely pineapple and passion fruit, caramel and some sherry. Finish: Apples remain, followed by a faded butter scotch and a tiny bit of sweet HP smoke.

When I first opened this it was a super butter scotch bomb, at the level of overwhelming. I was actually disappointed. After two months it settled substantially, most than any whisky I've ever had. Now it reminds me of a blend of Johnny Walker Green Label and Old Pulteney 12. Too bad it's discontinued. At $40, it's a great bargain.

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