Mackinlay’s Shackleton Rare Old Highland Malt - The Discovery vs Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

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

Mackinlay’s Shackleton Rare Old Highland Malt - The DiscoveryOld Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
DistilleryMackinlay'sPulteney
RegionOther ScotchHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.3%46%
AgeNAS26 yr
Price£299£399
Rating4.06/55.00/5

Mackinlay’s Shackleton Rare Old Highland Malt - The Discovery

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner55/100
Value14/100

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

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

Mackinlay’s Shackleton Rare Old Highland Malt - The Discovery

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.06).

Mackinlay’s Shackleton Rare Old Highland Malt - The Discovery is better value at £299 vs £399.

For beginners: Mackinlay’s Shackleton Rare Old Highland Malt - The Discovery is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Mackinlay’s Shackleton Rare Old Highland Malt - The Discovery

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£299 vs £399)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.1 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£399 vs £299)

Who should buy Mackinlay’s?

Mackinlay’s Shackleton Rare Old Highland Malt - The Discovery suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.

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

HoneyToasted

Only Mackinlay’s Shackleton Rare Old Highland Malt - The Discovery

Dried FruitVanilla

Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

SmokeyCitricFresh Fruit

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