Pittyvaich 20 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2009) vs Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Pittyvaich 20 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2009)
Pittyvaich
£499

Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£499
| Pittyvaich 20 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2009) | Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Pittyvaich | Talisker |
| Region | Speyside | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.5% | 45.8% |
| Age | 20 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £499 | £499 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Pittyvaich 20 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2009)
Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)
Pittyvaich 20 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2009)
Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)
Quick verdict
Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release) is better value at £499 vs £499.
For beginners: Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Pittyvaich 20 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2009)
Pros
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (57.5%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 20 years)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Pittyvaich?
Pittyvaich 20 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2009) 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 Talisker?
Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Pittyvaich 20 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2009)
Only Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)