in the drink needs to be matured for at least three years. This implies that all single malt and single grain whiskies used to create that "Blended Scotch" must have been matured as prescribed for at least three years. The manufacturers, however, do not state how old the youngest malt in their blend is. Rather, they optimize the standard taste by blending casks of varying ages among batches. The ageing is done in oak casks. Variants In 2007 a peated special version of The Famous Grouse called The Black Grouse developed for the Swedish market was released. The packaging displays a black grouse in place of the usual red grouse. The following year a special version, meant for chilling, was released called The Snow Grouse. The packaging features a ptarmigan. In 2011, The Naked Grouse was launched as its premium product. Initially as a high-end blended whisky, in 2017 it was turned into blended malt whisky. United States distribution Beam Suntory distribute The Famous Grouse and other Edrington brands in the U.S. market. Promotions and sponsorships The Famous Grouse has focussed its television advertising around the Christmas period since 1996. The Famous Grouse was the primary sponsor of the Perth-based football team St Johnstone between 1986 and 1989 and again between 1991 and 1998. It also sponsored the Scotland national rugby union team from 1990 until 2007, and was 'The Official Spirit of Scottish Rugby' from 2013 for three years. In May 2014, The Famous Grouse was named the official whisky of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. References Bibliography Scottish brands Blended Scotch whisky 1896 establishments in Scotland Products introduced in 1896