The Famous Grouse Smoky Black
Smoke without the heaviness of an Islay. Smoky Black is The Famous Grouse with a generous portion of peat-smoked Highland malt: smoky and spicy, but also smooth and sweet. The ideal first step for anyone who wants to find out whether smoky whisky is for them.
Where does the smoke come from?
Smoky Black, formerly The Black Grouse, is a blend by Matthew Gloag & Son, the house behind The Famous Grouse. The base is the same smooth blend as the Finest, but it contains a generous portion of peat-smoked Highland malt: barley dried over a peat fire during malting. The smoke infuses the grain and comes through later in the whisky.
The difference from the Finest is therefore significant. Whereas that one centers on honey and orange, here you taste smoke, dried fruit and spices such as anise and cloves. Yet it remains smooth and sweet, much milder than an Islay single malt such as Laphroaig. That makes Smoky Black suitable for anyone who wants to get to know smoky whisky, and a good choice for cocktails with a hint of smoke.
In brief
Smoky, spicy, yet smooth
Smoky and rich
Smoky, aromatic, and rich. The peat is immediately recognizable, with dried fruit behind it.
Fruit and spices
Dried fruit, spicy notes of anise and clove, and a hint of smoke. Full and complex, yet remarkably smooth.
Long, sweet, and smoky
A long finish where sweetness and smoke fade away together.
The flavor profile of The Famous Grouse Smoky Black neat. The Finest scores 1 for smokiness, while Smoky Black scores 4.
How to taste Smoky Black
Neat, it shows the most layers. Over ice or in a highball, the smoke softens and the whisky becomes fresher.
Neat with a drop of water
Pour 30 ml into a tasting glass and nose gently at first: smoke, then fruit. After the first sip, add a few drops of water; the smoke softens and the spices come forward.
Tasting glasses →Smoky highball
Pour 50 ml Smoky Black over plenty of ice in a tall glass, top up with 150 ml cold soda, and add a strip of lemon peel. The bubbles lift the smoke.
Make a highball →Penicillin
Shake 50 ml Smoky Black, 20 ml lemon juice, and 20 ml honey-ginger syrup, then strain over an ice cube in a tumbler. Normally, an Islay whisky is floated on top; here, the smoke is already in the mix.
Go to recipe →Cocktails that call for smoke
A little smoke makes a whisky cocktail deeper and warmer. Smoky Black adds just enough without overpowering it.
Penicillin
Whisky, lemon, honey, and ginger. With Smoky Black, you don't need a separate Islay whisky.
Rusty Nail
Scotch and Drambuie over ice. The smoke balances the honey-sweet liqueur.
Highball
Whisky and soda over plenty of ice. Light and refreshing, with smoke on the finish.
Hot Toddy
Whisky, hot water, honey, and lemon. The smoke makes it even more comforting.The right glass for Smoky Black
A tulip-shaped tasting glass for sipping neat, a heavy tumbler for the Penicillin and Rusty Nail, a tall glass for the highball, and a warm glass for the Hot Toddy.
More flavors of The Famous Grouse
The Famous Grouse
Where it all began. Visit the brand page to read all about The Famous Grouse: its origins, varieties, and classic cocktails.
Go to The Famous Grouse →
The Famous Grouse Sherry Cask Finish
Orange, dark chocolate, and roasted nuts. Richer and sweeter than the Finest, delicious neat or in an Old Fashioned.
View The Famous Grouse Sherry Cask Finish →Everything about whiskey: the types, best-known brands, and cocktails.
Questions about The Famous Grouse Smoky Black
Can't find your question here? Read more on the page about The Famous Grouse or browse our cocktail recipes.
Everything about The Famous Grouse →What is the alcohol content of The Famous Grouse Smoky Black?
Is Smoky Black the same as The Black Grouse?
What's the difference between The Famous Grouse and Smoky Black?
Is Smoky Black very smoky?
What do you mix Smoky Black with?
Buy Famous Grouse Smoky Black
Want the bottle delivered straight to your home? Order Famous Grouse Smoky Black online from Gall & Gall.
Prices as of November 3, 2026, as reported by Gall & Gall. Check Gall & Gall for the current price and availability. Glazen.nl receives a small commission if you buy something through these links; it costs you nothing extra. No 18, no alcohol.
