Bruichladdich 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 1944) - Middle Cut (Dramfool) vs Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989

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

Bruichladdich 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 1944) - Middle Cut (Dramfool)Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
DistilleryBruichladdichFamous Grouse
RegionIslayOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV64.8%40%
Age14 yr12 yr
Price£173.55£150
Rating5.00/5

Bruichladdich 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 1944) - Middle Cut (Dramfool)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness43/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989

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

Bruichladdich 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 1944) - Middle Cut (Dramfool)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 is better value at £150 vs £174.

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

Bruichladdich 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 1944) - Middle Cut (Dramfool)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (14 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (64.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£173.55 vs £150)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 affordable (£150 vs £173.55)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bruichladdich?

Bruichladdich 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 1944) - Middle Cut (Dramfool) 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

Both taste of

Malt ExtractToasted

Only Bruichladdich 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 1944) - Middle Cut (Dramfool)

SmokeyCooked FruitFresh Fruit

Only Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989

HoneyVanillaSherried

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