Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) vs Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

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

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryPulteneyGirvan
RegionHighlandLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV46%43.7%
Age26 yr50 yr
Price£399£356.35
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

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

Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value14/100

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £356 vs £399.

For beginners: Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

Pros

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

Cons

  • More expensive (£399 vs £356.35)

Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£356.35 vs £399)
  • +Longer maturation (50 vs 26 years)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
  • 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 Girvan?

Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Lowland character.

Tasting notes

Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

SmokeyCitricHoneyToastedFresh Fruit

Only Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Old WoodTobaccoLeatheryOilySandy

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