Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) vs Caol Ila 1999 (cask 305646) - Fèis Ìle 2010

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

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)Caol Ila 1999 (cask 305646) - Fèis Ìle 2010
DistilleryPulteneyCaol Ila
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%61.9%
Age26 yr10 yr
Price£399£499
Rating5.00/5

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

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

Caol Ila 1999 (cask 305646) - Fèis Ìle 2010

Smoke68/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 1999 (cask 305646) - Fèis Ìle 2010

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: 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
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£399 vs £499)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Caol Ila 1999 (cask 305646) - Fèis Ìle 2010

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (61.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£499 vs £399)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 Caol?

Caol Ila 1999 (cask 305646) - Fèis Ìle 2010 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

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

CitricHoneyToastedFresh Fruit

Only Caol Ila 1999 (cask 305646) - Fèis Ìle 2010

SherriedMedicinalDried FruitChocolate

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