Famous Grouse Highland Decanter vs Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Famous Grouse Highland Decanter
Famous Grouse
★ 5.00
£100

Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Clynelish
★ 5.00
£100
| Famous Grouse Highland Decanter | Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Famous Grouse | Clynelish |
| Region | Other Scotch | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 48.6% |
| Age | NAS | 23 yr |
| Price | £99.99 | £99.88 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Famous Grouse Highland Decanter
Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Famous Grouse Highland Decanter
Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Quick verdict
Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £100 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
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£99.99 vs £99.88)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£99.88 vs £99.99)
Cons
- −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 Clynelish?
Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) 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
Only Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)