Strathmill 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 802554) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989

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

Strathmill 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 802554) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
DistilleryStrathmillFamous Grouse
RegionSpeysideOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV55.9%40%
Age14 yr12 yr
Price£121£150
Rating5.00/5

Strathmill 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 802554) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989

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

Strathmill 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 802554) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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).

Strathmill 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 802554) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £121 vs £150.

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

Strathmill 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 802554) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£121 vs £150)
  • +Longer maturation (14 vs 12 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (55.9%) — 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 £121)

Who should buy Strathmill?

Strathmill 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 802554) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

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

Malt ExtractVanillaHoney

Only Strathmill 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 802554) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Fresh FruitNew Wood

Only Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989

ToastedSherried

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