Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 vs Strathisla 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 21600502) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Famous Grouse
★ 5.00
£150
Strathisla 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 21600502) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Strathisla
£135
| Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 | Strathisla 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 21600502) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Famous Grouse | Strathisla |
| Region | Other Scotch | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 55.6% |
| Age | 12 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £150 | £135.38 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Strathisla 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 21600502) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Strathisla 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 21600502) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Strathisla 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 21600502) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £135 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 £135.38)
Strathisla 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 21600502) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +More affordable (£135.38 vs £150)
- +Longer maturation (15 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 Strathisla?
Strathisla 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 21600502) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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
Only Famous Grouse 12 Year Old - Vintage 1989
Only Strathisla 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 21600502) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)