Balmenach 32 Year Old 1987 (cask 4042) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balmenach 32 Year Old 1987 (cask 4042) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Balmenach
£599
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Pulteney
★ 5.00
£399
| Balmenach 32 Year Old 1987 (cask 4042) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balmenach | Pulteney |
| Region | Speyside | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 51% | 46% |
| Age | 32 yr | 26 yr |
| Price | £599 | £399 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Balmenach 32 Year Old 1987 (cask 4042) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Balmenach 32 Year Old 1987 (cask 4042) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
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 £599.
For beginners: Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Balmenach 32 Year Old 1987 (cask 4042) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (32 vs 26 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (51%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£599 vs £399)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 £599)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Balmenach?
Balmenach 32 Year Old 1987 (cask 4042) - 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.
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 Balmenach 32 Year Old 1987 (cask 4042) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)