Clynelish 18 Year Old (Special Release 2025) vs Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Clynelish 18 Year Old (Special Release 2025)
Clynelish
£170
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Famous Grouse
★ 5.00
£150
| Clynelish 18 Year Old (Special Release 2025) | Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Clynelish | Famous Grouse |
| Region | Highland | Other Scotch |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 51.6% | 40% |
| Age | 18 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £169.95 | £150 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Clynelish 18 Year Old (Special Release 2025)
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Clynelish 18 Year Old (Special Release 2025)
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
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 £170.
For beginners: Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Clynelish 18 Year Old (Special Release 2025)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (51.6%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£169.95 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 £169.95)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Clynelish?
Clynelish 18 Year Old (Special Release 2025) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
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 Clynelish 18 Year Old (Special Release 2025)
Only Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989