Whisky of the week: The Naked Grouse

These are not easy times for the whisky drinker on a moderate pay packet.With our disposable incomes under attack we’re having to cut back or compromise on our monthly purchases.

Step forward The Naked Grouse - a little ray of sunshine in these challenging economic times.

At £27.69, buyers will find a rich luxurious whisky at a price not too hard on the wallet.

It is part of the Edrington Groups’ Grouse portfolio which includes The Famous Grouse, Black Grouse and Snow Grouse.

This is a whisky aimed at the established drinker who doesn’t take themselves too seriously.

With no age declaration, its maker is keen to challenge the views that age always equates to quality and that single malts always out-do blends on the quality front.

It is a direct competitor to Monkey Shoulder and could also sway drinkers who normally opt for mainline single malts such as Glenlivet and Glenfiddich.

There are no bells and whistles here. The bottle is almost apothecary-style and is plugged by a fat cork.

It’s sweet winy flavour is derived from its maturation in first fill sherry casks which cost five times the industry standard.

Its appearance could be described as bronzed, brassy, gold and rich.

The nose is a pleasant array of black cherries and dark chocolate with a soft under-current of wood.

Its taste is pleasantly sweet and thick with notes of dried raisins and cinnamon.

The sweet winy flavour is aided by its component malts of Macallan and Highland Park.

The finish is a mix of sweet and spicy notes.

This is a whisky that you would bring out on those semi-special occasions.

Every sip is pleasure and not a chore. You don’t have to put a lot of effort into teasing the flavours out it just tastes good.