Bowmore 18 Year Old vs Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Bowmore 18 Year Old | Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Famous Grouse |
| Region | Islay | Other Scotch |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 43% | 40% |
| Age | 18 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £129 | £150 |
| Rating | 4.37/5 | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 18 Year Old
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Bowmore 18 Year Old
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Quick verdict
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.37).
Bowmore 18 Year Old is better value at £129 vs £150.
For beginners: Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 18 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£129 vs £150)
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.4 vs 5.0)
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −More expensive (£150 vs £129)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 18 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay 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
Only Bowmore 18 Year Old
Only Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989