Fettercairn 18 Year Old (2023 Release) vs Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989

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

Fettercairn 18 Year Old (2023 Release)Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
DistilleryFettercairnFamous Grouse
RegionHighlandOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV46.8%40%
Age18 yr12 yr
Price£154.95£150
Rating5.00/5

Fettercairn 18 Year Old (2023 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner70/100
Value33/100

Fettercairn 18 Year Old (2023 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 is better value at £150 vs £155.

For beginners: Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Fettercairn 18 Year Old (2023 Release)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£154.95 vs £150)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£150 vs £154.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Fettercairn?

Fettercairn 18 Year Old (2023 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Who should buy Famous?

Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

HoneyVanillaToasted

Only Fettercairn 18 Year Old (2023 Release)

Fresh FruitOld Wood

Only Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989

Malt ExtractSherried

Explore more