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 WoodOld Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
DistillerySpringbankPulteney
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.6%46%
Age12 yr26 yr
Price£499£399
Rating5.00/5

Springbank 12 Year Old 1989 - Rum Wood

Smoke0/100
Sweetness67/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

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

Springbank 12 Year Old 1989 - Rum Wood

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 £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

SherriedVanillaDried FruitOilyOld Wood

Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

SmokeyCitricHoneyToastedFresh Fruit

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