Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish vs Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£292
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Pulteney
★ 5.00
£399
| Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish | Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Pulteney |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 49.1% | 46% |
| Age | 23 yr | 26 yr |
| Price | £291.95 | £399 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Quick verdict
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish is better value at £292 vs £399.
For beginners: Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£291.95 vs £399)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (26 vs 23 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£399 vs £291.95)
Who should buy Darkness!?
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish 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 Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)