North of Scotland 47 Year Old 1972 - Stillwater vs Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

North of Scotland 47 Year Old 1972 - Stillwater
North of Scotland
★ 5.00
£180

Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Famous Grouse
★ 5.00
£150
| North of Scotland 47 Year Old 1972 - Stillwater | Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | North of Scotland | Famous Grouse |
| Region | — | Other Scotch |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Grain | Blended |
| ABV | 41.1% | 40% |
| Age | 47 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £179.95 | £150 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
North of Scotland 47 Year Old 1972 - Stillwater
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
North of Scotland 47 Year Old 1972 - Stillwater
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Quick verdict
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 is better value at £150 vs £180.
For beginners: North of Scotland 47 Year Old 1972 - Stillwater is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
North of Scotland 47 Year Old 1972 - Stillwater
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (47 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£179.95 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 £179.95)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy North?
North of Scotland 47 Year Old 1972 - Stillwater 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
Only North of Scotland 47 Year Old 1972 - Stillwater
Only Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989