North Port-Brechin 28 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2005) vs Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

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

North Port-Brechin 28 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2005)Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
DistilleryNorth PortPulteney
RegionHighlandHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV53%46%
Age28 yr26 yr
Price£599£399
Rating5.00/5

North Port-Brechin 28 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2005)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

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

North Port-Brechin 28 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2005)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is better value at £399 vs £599.

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

North Port-Brechin 28 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2005)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 26 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (53%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£599 vs £399)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£399 vs £599)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy North?

North Port-Brechin 28 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2005) 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

Toasted

Only North Port-Brechin 28 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2005)

Old WoodLeatheryTobacco

Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

SmokeyCitricHoneyFresh Fruit

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