Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 vs Secret Orkney 17 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17/A63 #8) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

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

Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989Secret Orkney 17 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17/A63 #8) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
DistilleryFamous GrouseSignatory
RegionOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV40%55.6%
Age12 yr17 yr
Price£150£130.95
Rating5.00/5

Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner70/100
Value33/100

Secret Orkney 17 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17/A63 #8) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Secret Orkney 17 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17/A63 #8) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Secret Orkney 17 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17/A63 #8) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is better value at £131 vs £150.

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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£150 vs £130.95)

Secret Orkney 17 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17/A63 #8) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£130.95 vs £150)
  • +Longer maturation (17 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (55.6%) — may need water
  • 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 Secret?

Secret Orkney 17 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17/A63 #8) - 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

Both taste of

Sherried

Only Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989

HoneyVanillaMalt ExtractToasted

Only Secret Orkney 17 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17/A63 #8) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Old WoodDried FruitLeatheryTobacco

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