Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) vs Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1993 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Pulteney
★ 5.00
£399
Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1993 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£591
| Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) | Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1993 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Pulteney | Ardbeg |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 56.4% |
| Age | 26 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £399 | £590.83 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1993 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1993 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Quick verdict
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is better value at £399 vs £591.
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 £590.83)
- +Longer maturation (26 vs 21 years)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1993 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (56.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£590.83 vs £399)
- −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 21 Year Old 1993 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) 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 21 Year Old 1993 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)