Ardmore 17 Year Old 2002 (cask 317) (Adelphi) vs Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

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

Ardmore 17 Year Old 2002 (cask 317) (Adelphi)Famous Grouse Highland Decanter
DistilleryArdmoreFamous Grouse
RegionHighlandOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV58.2%40%
Age17 yrNAS
Price£129.88£99.99
Rating5.00/5

Ardmore 17 Year Old 2002 (cask 317) (Adelphi)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness45/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner75/100
Value50/100

Ardmore 17 Year Old 2002 (cask 317) (Adelphi)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Famous Grouse Highland Decanter is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Famous Grouse Highland Decanter is better value at £100 vs £130.

For beginners: Famous Grouse Highland Decanter is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Ardmore 17 Year Old 2002 (cask 317) (Adelphi)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (58.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£129.88 vs £99.99)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£99.99 vs £129.88)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ardmore?

Ardmore 17 Year Old 2002 (cask 317) (Adelphi) 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 Highland Decanter 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.

Tasting notes

Only Ardmore 17 Year Old 2002 (cask 317) (Adelphi)

Fresh FruitCooked FruitSmokeyOld Wood

Only Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

Malt ExtractVanillaHoneyToasted

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