Tullibardine 25 Year Old vs South Island 21 Year Old 1990

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Tullibardine 25 Year OldSouth Island 21 Year Old 1990
DistilleryTullibardineThe New Zealand Whisky Company
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandNew Zealand
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%40%
Age25 yr21 yr
Price£155£116.59
Rating5.00/5

Tullibardine 25 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner70/100
Value32/100

South Island 21 Year Old 1990

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Tullibardine 25 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

South Island 21 Year Old 1990

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Tullibardine 25 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

South Island 21 Year Old 1990 is better value at £117 vs £155.

For beginners: South Island 21 Year Old 1990 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Tullibardine 25 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£155 vs £116.59)

South Island 21 Year Old 1990

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£116.59 vs £155)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Tullibardine?

Tullibardine 25 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Who should buy South?

South Island 21 Year Old 1990 is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Honey

Only Tullibardine 25 Year Old

Malt ExtractVanillaToastedNutty

Only South Island 21 Year Old 1990

Old WoodDried FruitSherriedTobacco

Explore more