The Macallan 18 Year Old Fine Oak - Pre 2008 vs Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
The Macallan 18 Year Old Fine Oak - Pre 2008
The Macallan
£499
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Pulteney
★ 5.00
£399
| The Macallan 18 Year Old Fine Oak - Pre 2008 | Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Macallan | Pulteney |
| Region | Speyside | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 46% |
| Age | 18 yr | 26 yr |
| Price | £499 | £399 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
The Macallan 18 Year Old Fine Oak - Pre 2008
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
The Macallan 18 Year Old Fine Oak - Pre 2008
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Quick verdict
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is better value at £399 vs £499.
For beginners: The Macallan 18 Year Old Fine Oak - Pre 2008 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
The Macallan 18 Year Old Fine Oak - Pre 2008
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£499 vs £399)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£399 vs £499)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy The?
The Macallan 18 Year Old Fine Oak - Pre 2008 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 Old?
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only The Macallan 18 Year Old Fine Oak - Pre 2008
Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)