Inchgower 16 Years Old 1995 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) vs Famous Grouse 1989 / 12 Years Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Inchgower 16 Years Old 1995 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)Famous Grouse 1989 / 12 Years Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
DistilleryInchgowerFamous Grouse
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV50%40%
Age16 yrNAS
Price£99£150
Rating5.00/5

Inchgower 16 Years Old 1995 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Smoke66/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner50/100
Value51/100

Famous Grouse 1989 / 12 Years Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness69/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Inchgower 16 Years Old 1995 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Famous Grouse 1989 / 12 Years Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Inchgower 16 Years Old 1995 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Inchgower 16 Years Old 1995 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) is better value at £99 vs £150.

For beginners: Famous Grouse 1989 / 12 Years Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Inchgower 16 Years Old 1995 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£99 vs £150)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Famous Grouse 1989 / 12 Years Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • More expensive (£150 vs £99)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Inchgower?

Inchgower 16 Years Old 1995 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Who should buy Famous?

Famous Grouse 1989 / 12 Years Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Dried FruitHoney

Only Inchgower 16 Years Old 1995 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

SherriedToastedKipperyLeathery

Only Famous Grouse 1989 / 12 Years Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

VanillaMalt Extract

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