Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) vs Fettercairn 30 Year Old 1978

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

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)Fettercairn 30 Year Old 1978
DistilleryPulteneyFettercairn
RegionHighlandHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%43.3%
Age26 yr30 yr
Price£399£599
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

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

Fettercairn 30 Year Old 1978

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner60/100
Value8/100

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Fettercairn 30 Year Old 1978

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is better value at £399 vs £599.

For beginners: Fettercairn 30 Year Old 1978 is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£399 vs £599)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Fettercairn 30 Year Old 1978

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 26 years)

Cons

  • 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 Fettercairn?

Fettercairn 30 Year Old 1978 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

SmokeyCitricHoneyToastedFresh Fruit

Only Fettercairn 30 Year Old 1978

SherriedOld WoodCooked FruitNuttyTobacco

Explore more