Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old 2009 - North Star Spirits vs Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

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

Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old 2009 - North Star SpiritsFamous Grouse Highland Decanter
DistilleryBunnahabhainFamous Grouse
RegionIslayOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV52.3%40%
Age11 yrNAS
Price£122.5£99.99
Rating3.67/55.00/5

Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old 2009 - North Star Spirits

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner35/100
Value30/100

Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

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

Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old 2009 - North Star Spirits

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Famous Grouse Highland Decanter is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.67).

Famous Grouse Highland Decanter is better value at £100 vs £123.

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

Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old 2009 - North Star Spirits

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (52.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£122.5 vs £99.99)
  • Lower community rating (3.7 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 £122.5)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bunnahabhain?

Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old 2009 - North Star Spirits 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 Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old 2009 - North Star Spirits

SherriedDried FruitSmokeyChocolate

Only Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

Malt ExtractVanillaHoneyToasted

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