The Cardrona Otago Pinot Cask - Cardrona Day Special Release vs Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
The Cardrona Otago Pinot Cask - Cardrona Day Special Release
Cardrona Distillery
★ 5.00
£177
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Famous Grouse
★ 5.00
£150
| The Cardrona Otago Pinot Cask - Cardrona Day Special Release | Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Cardrona Distillery | Famous Grouse |
| Region | — | Other Scotch |
| Country | New Zealand | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 52% | 40% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £177 | £150 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
The Cardrona Otago Pinot Cask - Cardrona Day Special Release
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
The Cardrona Otago Pinot Cask - Cardrona Day Special Release
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Quick verdict
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 is better value at £150 vs £177.
For beginners: Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
The Cardrona Otago Pinot Cask - Cardrona Day Special Release
Pros
- +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts
Cons
- −High ABV (52%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£177 vs £150)
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£150 vs £177)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy The?
The Cardrona Otago Pinot Cask - Cardrona Day Special Release 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
Only The Cardrona Otago Pinot Cask - Cardrona Day Special Release
Only Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989