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)
Pulteney
★ 5.00
£399

Fettercairn 30 Year Old 1978
Fettercairn
★ 5.00
£599
| Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) | Fettercairn 30 Year Old 1978 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Pulteney | Fettercairn |
| Region | Highland | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 43.3% |
| Age | 26 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £399 | £599 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Fettercairn 30 Year Old 1978
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Fettercairn 30 Year Old 1978
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)
Only Fettercairn 30 Year Old 1978