Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) vs Royal Salute 32 Year Old - Union of the Crowns

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

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)Royal Salute 32 Year Old - Union of the Crowns
DistilleryPulteneyRoyal Salute
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV46%40%
Age26 yr32 yr
Price£399£599
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

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

Royal Salute 32 Year Old - Union of the Crowns

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner70/100
Value8/100

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Royal Salute 32 Year Old - Union of the Crowns

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

For beginners: Royal Salute 32 Year Old - Union of the Crowns is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£399 vs £599)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Royal Salute 32 Year Old - Union of the Crowns

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (32 vs 26 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£599 vs £399)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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.

Who should buy Royal?

Royal Salute 32 Year Old - Union of the Crowns suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

Tasting notes

Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

SmokeyCitricHoneyToastedFresh Fruit

Only Royal Salute 32 Year Old - Union of the Crowns

Old WoodSherriedDried FruitTobacco

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