Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12390) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

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

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12390) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)Famous Grouse Highland Decanter
DistilleryArdmoreFamous Grouse
RegionHighlandOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV48.4%40%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£79.95£99.99
Rating5.00/5

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12390) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

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

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12390) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12390) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £80 vs £100.

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

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12390) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£79.95 vs £99.99)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£99.99 vs £79.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ardmore?

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12390) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

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

Both taste of

Toasted

Only Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12390) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokeyOld WoodLeathery

Only Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

Malt ExtractVanillaHoney

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