Edradour Ballechin 18 Year Old Batch 2 - Cask Strength Edition vs Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989

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

Edradour Ballechin 18 Year Old Batch 2 - Cask Strength EditionFamous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
DistilleryEdradourFamous Grouse
RegionHighlandOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV50.9%40%
Age18 yr12 yr
Price£144.9£150
Rating5.00/5

Edradour Ballechin 18 Year Old Batch 2 - Cask Strength Edition

Smoke64/100
Sweetness33/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989

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

Edradour Ballechin 18 Year Old Batch 2 - Cask Strength Edition

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).

Edradour Ballechin 18 Year Old Batch 2 - Cask Strength Edition is better value at £145 vs £150.

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

Edradour Ballechin 18 Year Old Batch 2 - Cask Strength Edition

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£144.9 vs £150)
  • +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (50.9%) — may need water
  • 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 £144.9)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Edradour?

Edradour Ballechin 18 Year Old Batch 2 - Cask Strength Edition 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

Toasted

Only Edradour Ballechin 18 Year Old Batch 2 - Cask Strength Edition

SmokeyLeatheryNuttyFresh Fruit

Only Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989

HoneyVanillaMalt ExtractSherried

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