Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask vs Bunnahabhain 33 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Tomintoul
★ 5.00
£224
Bunnahabhain 33 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Bunnahabhain
★ 5.00
£212
| Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask | Bunnahabhain 33 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Tomintoul | Bunnahabhain |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.9% | 47.9% |
| Age | 31 yr | 33 yr |
| Price | £223.7 | £211.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Bunnahabhain 33 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Bunnahabhain 33 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Quick verdict
Bunnahabhain 33 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £212 vs £224.
For beginners: Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Pros
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£223.7 vs £211.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Bunnahabhain 33 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£211.95 vs £223.7)
- +Longer maturation (33 vs 31 years)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Tomintoul?
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask 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.
Who should buy Bunnahabhain?
Bunnahabhain 33 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Only Bunnahabhain 33 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)