Famous Grouse Highland Decanter vs Ardmore 20 Year Old 1996 (cask 13770) - Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing)

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

Famous Grouse Highland DecanterArdmore 20 Year Old 1996 (cask 13770) - Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing)
DistilleryFamous GrouseArdmore
RegionOther ScotchHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV40%49.3%
AgeNAS20 yr
Price£99.99£82.08
Rating5.00/5

Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

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

Ardmore 20 Year Old 1996 (cask 13770) - Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ardmore 20 Year Old 1996 (cask 13770) - Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Famous Grouse Highland Decanter is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Ardmore 20 Year Old 1996 (cask 13770) - Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing) is better value at £82 vs £100.

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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£99.99 vs £82.08)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Ardmore 20 Year Old 1996 (cask 13770) - Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£82.08 vs £99.99)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • 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 Ardmore?

Ardmore 20 Year Old 1996 (cask 13770) - Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Only Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

Malt ExtractVanillaHoneyToasted

Only Ardmore 20 Year Old 1996 (cask 13770) - Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing)

SmokeyLeatheryDried FruitOld Wood

Explore more