Bowmore 17 Year Old - 2010s vs Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bowmore 17 Year Old - 2010s
Bowmore
£150
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Famous Grouse
★ 5.00
£150
| Bowmore 17 Year Old - 2010s | Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Famous Grouse |
| Region | Islay | Other Scotch |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 43% | 40% |
| Age | 17 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £150 | £150 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 17 Year Old - 2010s
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Bowmore 17 Year Old - 2010s
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Quick verdict
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 is better value at £150 vs £150.
For beginners: Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 17 Year Old - 2010s
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (17 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 17 Year Old - 2010s suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Who should buy Famous?
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.
Tasting notes
Only Bowmore 17 Year Old - 2010s
Only Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Where to buy
Bowmore 17 Year Old - 2010s
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange