We certainly made the most out of our 24-hour stay in Yangon, which sadly brought a close to our incredible experience in Myanmar.
After checking-in and clearing security at RGN Airport, we made a B-line to the gift shop to get some final gifts from Myanmar.
That’s when we noticed something that seemed almost too good to be true: A 700 ml bottle of whisky for $4 USD.
Review: Grand Royal Black [Blended Whisky] (Myanmar)
About Grand Royal Black
The Grand Royal Group was founded in 1995 and has quickly risen to one of the best known brands in Myanmar by focusing on three major areas: quality products, an extensive distribution network, and a responsible approach to business (corporate citizenship & environmental sustainability).
A blended whisky, Grand Royal Black is the best-selling, “flagship” product of the Grand Royal Group and has won the prestigious Monde Selection Quality Award in 2017, 2018, and 2019, as well as the International High Quality Trophy in 2019.
The Grand Royal Black Label
The Official Grand Royal Black Promotional Video
Here is the official promotional video from the Grand Royal Group’s website:
Grand Royal Black Description & Review
As you already know, I am a whisky drinker. And a quite seasoned one at that, with my personal favorites being bourbon and Irish whiskies.
Although many Asian whiskies are of great quality, I have found most have a strong grainy note in the aftertaste that prevents me from outright loving them. Not so with Grand Royal Black.
Even at 43% alcohol (96 proof), I found this whiskey to be unexpectedly smooth, substantially medium to full-bodied, and easy drinking (even neat).
Both of us were quite impressed with this completely unexpected and last-minute find in RGN Airport (of all places).
Yes, we [easily] killed this entire 700 ml bottle in one day flat.
Related Products
Where can I get my hands on the rest of these?
The Bottom-Line Review: Grand Royal Black [Blended Whisky] (Myanmar)
Had I known about Grand Royal Black while I was actually traveling in Myanmar, I would have made it a point to stock up on this (and the related up-market Grand Royal Signature and Special Reserve varieties).
With that being said, Grand Royal Black easily won us over with its high-quality and smoothness.
Looking back, it’s ridiculous to think we bought this bottle at Yangon airport for just $4. That was a complete steal.
I remember they also had the Special Reserve for $7, but we didn’t want to “splurge” because had never heard of the Grand Royal brand. I remember actually holding this bottle in my and and turning to my friend and saying, “for $4, how good can this really be?”.
I’m adding this – along with Myanmar Beer – to my list of favorite Asian beverages.
Bottom-Line Review: 8.5/10 – A delicious, smooth-drinking, 96 proof whisky perfect for the tropics (or anywhere else).
Cheers!
