Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2024)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Famous Grouse
★ 5.00
£150
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2024)
Lagavulin
£155
| Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2024) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Famous Grouse | Lagavulin |
| Region | Other Scotch | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 57.4% |
| Age | 12 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £150 | £155 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2024)
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2024)
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 £155.
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
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£150 vs £155)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2024)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£155 vs £150)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2024) 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 Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2024)
Where to buy
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2024)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange