Dalmore 14 Year Old 2003 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989

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

Dalmore 14 Year Old 2003 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
DistilleryDalmoreFamous Grouse
RegionHighlandOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV57.8%40%
Age14 yr12 yr
Price£114.95£150
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Dalmore 14 Year Old 2003 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner35/100
Value43/100

Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989

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

Dalmore 14 Year Old 2003 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Dalmore 14 Year Old 2003 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £115 vs £150.

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

Dalmore 14 Year Old 2003 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£114.95 vs £150)
  • +Longer maturation (14 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (57.8%) — may need water

Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£150 vs £114.95)

Who should buy Dalmore?

Dalmore 14 Year Old 2003 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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.

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

VanillaHoneyToasted

Only Dalmore 14 Year Old 2003 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Cooked Fruit

Only Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989

Malt ExtractSherried

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