Linkwood 31 Year Old - Director's Special (The Single Malts of Scotland) vs Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Linkwood 31 Year Old - Director's Special (The Single Malts of Scotland)
Linkwood
£632

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Pulteney
★ 5.00
£399
| Linkwood 31 Year Old - Director's Special (The Single Malts of Scotland) | Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Linkwood | Pulteney |
| Region | Speyside | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 49.6% | 46% |
| Age | 31 yr | 26 yr |
| Price | £631.95 | £399 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Linkwood 31 Year Old - Director's Special (The Single Malts of Scotland)
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Linkwood 31 Year Old - Director's Special (The Single Malts of Scotland)
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 £632.
For beginners: Linkwood 31 Year Old - Director's Special (The Single Malts of Scotland) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Linkwood 31 Year Old - Director's Special (The Single Malts of Scotland)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (31 vs 26 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£631.95 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 £631.95)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Linkwood?
Linkwood 31 Year Old - Director's Special (The Single Malts of Scotland) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
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 Linkwood 31 Year Old - Director's Special (The Single Malts of Scotland)
Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)