Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£140
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Famous Grouse
★ 5.00
£150
| Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Famous Grouse |
| Region | Islay | Other Scotch |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 57.4% | 40% |
| Age | 30 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £139.95 | £150 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £140 vs £150.
For beginners: Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£139.95 vs £150)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
Cons
- −More expensive (£150 vs £139.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Only Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989