Springbank 12 Year Old 1989 - Rum Wood vs Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Springbank 12 Year Old 1989 - Rum Wood
Springbank
£499

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Pulteney
★ 5.00
£399
| Springbank 12 Year Old 1989 - Rum Wood | Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Springbank | Pulteney |
| Region | — | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.6% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 26 yr |
| Price | £499 | £399 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Springbank 12 Year Old 1989 - Rum Wood
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Springbank 12 Year Old 1989 - Rum Wood
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
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 £499.
For beginners: Springbank 12 Year Old 1989 - Rum Wood is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Springbank 12 Year Old 1989 - Rum Wood
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (54.6%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£499 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 £499)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Springbank?
Springbank 12 Year Old 1989 - Rum Wood suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
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
Only Springbank 12 Year Old 1989 - Rum Wood
Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)