Famous Grouse Highland Decanter vs SMWS No. 13.42 11 Year Old 1996
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Famous Grouse Highland Decanter | SMWS No. 13.42 11 Year Old 1996 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Famous Grouse | Dalmore |
| Region | Other Scotch | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 62.5% |
| Age | NAS | 11 yr |
| Price | £99.99 | £154.55 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Famous Grouse Highland Decanter
SMWS No. 13.42 11 Year Old 1996
Famous Grouse Highland Decanter
SMWS No. 13.42 11 Year Old 1996
Quick verdict
Famous Grouse Highland Decanter is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Famous Grouse Highland Decanter is better value at £100 vs £155.
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 £154.55)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
SMWS No. 13.42 11 Year Old 1996
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (62.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£154.55 vs £99.99)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 SMWS?
SMWS No. 13.42 11 Year Old 1996 is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
Tasting notes
Only Famous Grouse Highland Decanter
Only SMWS No. 13.42 11 Year Old 1996