Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) vs Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

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

Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)Famous Grouse Highland Decanter
DistilleryClynelishFamous Grouse
RegionHighlandOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV48.6%40%
Age23 yrNAS
Price£99.88£99.99
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke69/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value50/100

Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

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

Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £100 vs £100.

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

Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£99.88 vs £99.99)

Cons

  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£99.99 vs £99.88)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Clynelish?

Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

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 Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

KipperyMedicinalOilyCooked VegetableOld Wood

Only Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

Malt ExtractVanillaHoneyToasted

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