North British 55 Year Old 1961 (cask 13328) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing) vs Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
North British 55 Year Old 1961 (cask 13328) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
North British
£560
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Pulteney
★ 5.00
£399
| North British 55 Year Old 1961 (cask 13328) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing) | Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | North British | Pulteney |
| Region | Lowland | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Grain | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.1% | 46% |
| Age | 55 yr | 26 yr |
| Price | £560.35 | £399 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
North British 55 Year Old 1961 (cask 13328) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
North British 55 Year Old 1961 (cask 13328) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
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 £560.
For beginners: Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
North British 55 Year Old 1961 (cask 13328) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (55 vs 26 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (55.1%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£560.35 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 £560.35)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy North?
North British 55 Year Old 1961 (cask 13328) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing) 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 North British 55 Year Old 1961 (cask 13328) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)