Famous Grouse Highland Decanter vs Cladach (Special Release 2018)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Famous Grouse Highland Decanter
Famous Grouse
★ 5.00
£100

Cladach (Special Release 2018)
Diageo
★ 5.00
£150
| Famous Grouse Highland Decanter | Cladach (Special Release 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Famous Grouse | Diageo |
| Region | Other Scotch | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 57.1% |
| Age | NAS | NAS |
| Price | £99.99 | £149.99 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Famous Grouse Highland Decanter
Cladach (Special Release 2018)
Famous Grouse Highland Decanter
Cladach (Special Release 2018)
Quick verdict
Famous Grouse Highland Decanter is better value at £100 vs £150.
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 £149.99)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Cladach (Special Release 2018)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (57.1%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£149.99 vs £99.99)
- −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 Cladach?
Cladach (Special Release 2018) 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 Cladach (Special Release 2018)