Famous Grouse Highland Decanter vs Glen Elgin 20 Year Old 1997 (batch 18/003) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Famous Grouse Highland DecanterGlen Elgin 20 Year Old 1997 (batch 18/003) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryFamous GrouseGlen Elgin
RegionOther ScotchSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV40%55.7%
AgeNAS20 yr
Price£99.99£135.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

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

Glen Elgin 20 Year Old 1997 (batch 18/003) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner35/100
Value37/100

Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Elgin 20 Year Old 1997 (batch 18/003) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Famous Grouse Highland Decanter is better value at £100 vs £136.

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
  • +More affordable (£99.99 vs £135.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Glen Elgin 20 Year Old 1997 (batch 18/003) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (55.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£135.95 vs £99.99)

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 Glen?

Glen Elgin 20 Year Old 1997 (batch 18/003) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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

Malt ExtractVanillaHoneyToasted

Only Glen Elgin 20 Year Old 1997 (batch 18/003) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SherriedChocolateDried FruitCooked FruitOld Wood

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