Kilchoman 2012 / 8 Year Old / Tequila Cask Finish / Whisky Exchange Exclusive Islay Whisky vs Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989

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

Kilchoman 2012 / 8 Year Old / Tequila Cask Finish / Whisky Exchange Exclusive Islay WhiskyFamous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
DistilleryKilchomanFamous Grouse
RegionOther Scotch
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeBlended
ABV40%40%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£120£150
Rating5.00/5

Kilchoman 2012 / 8 Year Old / Tequila Cask Finish / Whisky Exchange Exclusive Islay Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness90/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989

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

Kilchoman 2012 / 8 Year Old / Tequila Cask Finish / Whisky Exchange Exclusive Islay Whisky

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).

Kilchoman 2012 / 8 Year Old / Tequila Cask Finish / Whisky Exchange Exclusive Islay Whisky is better value at £120 vs £150.

For beginners: Kilchoman 2012 / 8 Year Old / Tequila Cask Finish / Whisky Exchange Exclusive Islay Whisky is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Kilchoman 2012 / 8 Year Old / Tequila Cask Finish / Whisky Exchange Exclusive Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£120 vs £150)

Cons

  • 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£150 vs £120)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Kilchoman?

Kilchoman 2012 / 8 Year Old / Tequila Cask Finish / Whisky Exchange Exclusive Islay Whisky 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 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

Vanilla

Only Kilchoman 2012 / 8 Year Old / Tequila Cask Finish / Whisky Exchange Exclusive Islay Whisky

SmokeyNew WoodOily

Only Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989

HoneyMalt ExtractToastedSherried

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