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)Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)
DistilleryPittyvaichTalisker
RegionSpeysideIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.5%45.8%
Age20 yr25 yr
Price£499£499
Rating5.00/5

Pittyvaich 20 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2009)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value10/100

Pittyvaich 20 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2009)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

Old Wood

Only Pittyvaich 20 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2009)

Malt ExtractHoneyVanillaToastedDried Fruit

Only Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinal

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