Barrell Gold Label Bourbon vs Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

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

Barrell Gold Label BourbonOld Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
DistilleryBarrell Craft SpiritsPulteney
RegionHighland
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBourbonSingle Malt
ABV51.1%46%
AgeNAS26 yr
Price£320.5£399
Rating5.00/5

Barrell Gold Label Bourbon

Smoke0/100
Sweetness52/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness52/100
Beginner50/100
Value13/100

Barrell Gold Label Bourbon

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Barrell Gold Label Bourbon is better value at £321 vs £399.

For beginners: Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Barrell Gold Label Bourbon

Pros

  • +More affordable (£320.5 vs £399)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (51.1%) — may need water
  • 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£399 vs £320.5)

Who should buy Barrell?

Barrell Gold Label Bourbon 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

ToastedFresh Fruit

Only Barrell Gold Label Bourbon

VanillaChocolateNutty

Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

SmokeyCitricHoney

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