Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£250
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Famous Grouse
★ 5.00
£150
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Famous Grouse |
| Region | Islay | Other Scotch |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 55.9% | 40% |
| Age | 17 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £250 | £150 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Quick verdict
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 is better value at £150 vs £250.
For beginners: Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (17 vs 12 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £150)
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£150 vs £250)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) 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
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Where to buy
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange