Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) vs Caol Ila 16 Year Old 1972 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Pulteney
★ 5.00
£399

Caol Ila 16 Year Old 1972 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Caol Ila
£650
| Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) | Caol Ila 16 Year Old 1972 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Pulteney | Caol Ila |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 40% |
| Age | 26 yr | 16 yr |
| Price | £399 | £650 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Caol Ila 16 Year Old 1972 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Caol Ila 16 Year Old 1972 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is better value at £399 vs £650.
For beginners: Caol Ila 16 Year Old 1972 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (55/100 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)
- +More affordable (£399 vs £650)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Caol Ila 16 Year Old 1972 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −More expensive (£650 vs £399)
- −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 Caol?
Caol Ila 16 Year Old 1972 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Only Caol Ila 16 Year Old 1972 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)