Pittyvaich 20 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2009) vs Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

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

Pittyvaich 20 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2009)Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryPittyvaichGirvan
RegionSpeysideLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV57.5%43.7%
Age20 yr50 yr
Price£499£356.35
Rating5.00/5

Pittyvaich 20 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2009)

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

Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value14/100

Pittyvaich 20 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2009)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £356 vs £499.

For beginners: Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (55/100 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
  • More expensive (£499 vs £356.35)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£356.35 vs £499)
  • +Longer maturation (50 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 Girvan?

Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Lowland character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Pittyvaich 20 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2009)

Malt ExtractHoneyVanillaToastedDried Fruit

Only Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

TobaccoLeatheryOilySandy

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