Famous Grouse Highland Decanter vs Islay #3 13 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 48.6%

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

Famous Grouse Highland DecanterIslay #3 13 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 48.6%
DistilleryFamous GrouseThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
RegionOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV40%48.6%
AgeNAS13 yr
Price£99.99£119.95
Rating5.00/54.00/5

Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner75/100
Value50/100

Islay #3 13 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 48.6%

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner40/100
Value33/100

Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Islay #3 13 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 48.6%

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Famous Grouse Highland Decanter is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

Famous Grouse Highland Decanter is better value at £100 vs £120.

For beginners: Famous Grouse Highland Decanter is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£99.99 vs £119.95)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Islay #3 13 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 48.6%

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£119.95 vs £99.99)
  • Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Famous?

Famous Grouse Highland Decanter 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.

Who should buy Islay?

Islay #3 13 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 48.6% suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Only Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

Malt ExtractVanillaHoneyToasted

Only Islay #3 13 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 48.6%

SmokeyMedicinalLeatheryOld Wood

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