Scotland’s favourite whisky is a blend crafted from the finest malt whiskies for the smoothest possible taste The year 1896 was an immensely important one in the history of whisky, because that was the year in which Perthshire grocer and wine merchant Matthew Gloag first created his very special blend. Unconventional from the start, he named his unique whisky after the iconic Scottish game bird, rather than himself. And so the Grouse Brand was born.