Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) vs Springbank 12 Year Old 2003 - Burgundy
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Pulteney
★ 5.00
£399

Springbank 12 Year Old 2003 - Burgundy
Springbank
★ 5.00
£599
| Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) | Springbank 12 Year Old 2003 - Burgundy | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Pulteney | Springbank |
| Region | Highland | Campbeltown |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 53.5% |
| Age | 26 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £399 | £599 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Springbank 12 Year Old 2003 - Burgundy
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Springbank 12 Year Old 2003 - Burgundy
Quick verdict
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).
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£399 vs £599)
- +Longer maturation (26 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Springbank 12 Year Old 2003 - Burgundy
Pros
- +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts
Cons
- −High ABV (53.5%) — may need water
- −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 Springbank?
Springbank 12 Year Old 2003 - Burgundy 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.
Tasting notes
Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Only Springbank 12 Year Old 2003 - Burgundy