Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) vs Ardbeg 15 Year Old 2004 (Release No.11673) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Pulteney
★ 5.00
£399
Ardbeg 15 Year Old 2004 (Release No.11673) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Ardbeg
£315
| Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) | Ardbeg 15 Year Old 2004 (Release No.11673) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Pulteney | Ardbeg |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 54.9% |
| Age | 26 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £399 | £314.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Ardbeg 15 Year Old 2004 (Release No.11673) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Ardbeg 15 Year Old 2004 (Release No.11673) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Quick verdict
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg 15 Year Old 2004 (Release No.11673) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) is better value at £315 vs £399.
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)
- +Longer maturation (26 vs 15 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£399 vs £314.95)
Ardbeg 15 Year Old 2004 (Release No.11673) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£314.95 vs £399)
Cons
- −High ABV (54.9%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 15 Year Old 2004 (Release No.11673) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) 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
Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Only Ardbeg 15 Year Old 2004 (Release No.11673) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)