Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 vs Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1982 Cask 6485 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Famous Grouse
★ 5.00
£150
Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1982 Cask 6485 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£154
| Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 | Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1982 Cask 6485 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Famous Grouse | Caol Ila |
| Region | Other Scotch | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 57.1% |
| Age | 12 yr | 29 yr |
| Price | £150 | £154.1 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1982 Cask 6485 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1982 Cask 6485 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Quick verdict
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 is better value at £150 vs £154.
For beginners: Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£150 vs £154.1)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1982 Cask 6485 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (29 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.1%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£154.1 vs £150)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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.
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1982 Cask 6485 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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.
Tasting notes
Only Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Only Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1982 Cask 6485 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Where to buy
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1982 Cask 6485 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange