(Editor’s Correction: Originally, this post showed the gymnast pictured here wearing the Union Jack flag, and that image is still on TD’s Facebook page because it cannot be changed there. Some Scots didn’t like it and pointed out our error. He is now wearing the Scottish flag, the host country for The Commonwealth Games.)
The worlds eyes are fixed on the up-coming football FIFA World Cup that kicks off in Sao Paulo, Brazil, June 12, when the host team takes on Croatia. That may be enough sport to get one through the summer, but for those of us who can’t get enough sports, we have the 2014 Commonwealth Games to look forward to. Much like the Olympics, the events range from aquatics to wrestling and gymnastics.
The Commonwealth Games, described as the worlds third largest multi-sport event in the world, was first proposed by the Reverend Astley Cooper in 1891 as a way to promot good will and harmony across the British Empire, which at that time spanned the globe form Canada to New Zealand. The first games were called the British Empire Games and were held in Hamilton, Ontario, 1930. Today the games are as important as ever and include 53 members of the Commonwealth of Nations. A total of 70 teams participate as a number of British overseas territories, Crown dependencies and island states compete under their own flags.
This year the games will be in Scotland with Glasgow as the host city. The games begin July 23 and end August 3. Therefore, it makes complete sense to have a whisky sponsor: The Famous Grouse has just been named official whisky. The agreement is with the brand’s parent company Edrington, which also owns Macallan, Highland Park & Cutty Sark.
The Grouse was was first made in 1896 at what is thought to be Scotland’s oldest distillery, The Glenturret This impressive blended Scotch has been Scotlands highest selling whisky since 1980, a considerable feat when you think of just how dominating brands such as Johnny Walker appear to be! The Famous Grouse is very good and for me there is something very refreshing about a Grouse on ice with a wee splash of ginger.
Famous Grouse Blended Scotch 40% ABV $35
The Nose: hay, honey, biscuit and light toffee
The Palate: caramel, dried fruits, thick dollop of malt and biscuit
The Finish: lightly sweet, subtle spice.
Raise a glass of this great blend to the many athletes starting their Commonwealth Games July 23rd.
