Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old | Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Pulteney |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 46% |
| Age | 21 yr | 26 yr |
| Price | £599 | £399 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Quick verdict
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is better value at £399 vs £599.
For beginners: Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −More expensive (£599 vs £399)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£399 vs £599)
- +Longer maturation (26 vs 21 years)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
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 Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)