Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 vs Rhosdhu 26 Year Old 1979 (cask 3237) - First Cask
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Famous Grouse
★ 5.00
£150

Rhosdhu 26 Year Old 1979 (cask 3237) - First Cask
Loch Lomond
£250
| Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 | Rhosdhu 26 Year Old 1979 (cask 3237) - First Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Famous Grouse | Loch Lomond |
| Region | Other Scotch | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 26 yr |
| Price | £150 | £250 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Rhosdhu 26 Year Old 1979 (cask 3237) - First Cask
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Rhosdhu 26 Year Old 1979 (cask 3237) - First Cask
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 £250.
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 £250)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Rhosdhu 26 Year Old 1979 (cask 3237) - First Cask
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (26 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£250 vs £150)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −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 Rhosdhu?
Rhosdhu 26 Year Old 1979 (cask 3237) - First Cask suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Tasting notes
Only Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Only Rhosdhu 26 Year Old 1979 (cask 3237) - First Cask
Where to buy
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Rhosdhu 26 Year Old 1979 (cask 3237) - First Cask
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange