Ben Nevis 11 Year Old 2012 (cask 78.83) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) vs Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

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

Ben Nevis 11 Year Old 2012 (cask 78.83) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)Famous Grouse Highland Decanter
DistilleryBen NevisFamous Grouse
RegionHighlandOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV57.5%40%
Age11 yrNAS
Price£150£99.99
Rating5.00/5

Ben Nevis 11 Year Old 2012 (cask 78.83) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

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

Ben Nevis 11 Year Old 2012 (cask 78.83) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

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 £150.

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

Ben Nevis 11 Year Old 2012 (cask 78.83) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (57.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£150 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 £150)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ben?

Ben Nevis 11 Year Old 2012 (cask 78.83) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) 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 Ben Nevis 11 Year Old 2012 (cask 78.83) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

SmokeyLeatheryOld WoodMedicinal

Only Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

Malt ExtractVanillaHoneyToasted

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