Highland Park 25 Year Old 1988 (cask 746) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) vs Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989

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

Highland Park 25 Year Old 1988 (cask 746) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
DistilleryHighland ParkFamous Grouse
RegionIslandOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV53.1%40%
Age25 yr12 yr
Price£119.18£150
Rating1.00/55.00/5

Highland Park 25 Year Old 1988 (cask 746) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner50/100
Value8/100

Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989

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

Highland Park 25 Year Old 1988 (cask 746) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 is rated higher (5.00 vs 1.00).

Highland Park 25 Year Old 1988 (cask 746) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is better value at £119 vs £150.

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

Highland Park 25 Year Old 1988 (cask 746) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£119.18 vs £150)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (53.1%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (1.0 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 £119.18)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 25 Year Old 1988 (cask 746) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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

SherriedHoney

Only Highland Park 25 Year Old 1988 (cask 746) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SmokeyOld WoodDried FruitTobacco

Only Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989

VanillaMalt ExtractToasted

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