Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2018 (130th Anniversary) vs Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2018 (130th Anniversary)
Four Roses
£599
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Pulteney
★ 5.00
£399
| Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2018 (130th Anniversary) | Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Four Roses | Pulteney |
| Region | — | Highland |
| Country | America | Scotland |
| Type | Bourbon | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.2% | 46% |
| Age | NAS | 26 yr |
| Price | £599 | £399 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2018 (130th Anniversary)
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2018 (130th Anniversary)
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 £599.
For beginners: Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2018 (130th Anniversary)
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (54.2%) — 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 Four?
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2018 (130th Anniversary) 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
Only Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2018 (130th Anniversary)
Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)