Famous Grouse Highland Decanter vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2023)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Famous Grouse Highland Decanter
Famous Grouse
★ 5.00
£100
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2023)
Lagavulin
£150
| Famous Grouse Highland Decanter | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2023) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Famous Grouse | Lagavulin |
| Region | Other Scotch | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 56.4% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £99.99 | £150 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Famous Grouse Highland Decanter
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2023)
Famous Grouse Highland Decanter
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2023)
Quick verdict
Famous Grouse Highland Decanter is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Famous Grouse Highland Decanter is better value at £100 vs £150.
For beginners: Famous Grouse Highland Decanter is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Famous Grouse Highland Decanter
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£99.99 vs £150)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2023)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −High ABV (56.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£150 vs £99.99)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Famous?
Famous Grouse Highland Decanter is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2023) 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 Highland Decanter
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2023)