Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask vs Redbreast 21 Year Old

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

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single CaskRedbreast 21 Year Old
DistilleryTomintoulRedbreast
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Pot Still
ABV53.9%46%
Age31 yr21 yr
Price£223.7£248
Rating5.00/54.55/5

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner45/100
Value22/100

Redbreast 21 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner60/100
Value18/100

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Redbreast 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.55).

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask is better value at £224 vs £248.

For beginners: Redbreast 21 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£223.7 vs £248)
  • +Longer maturation (31 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (53.9%) — may need water

Redbreast 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£248 vs £223.7)
  • Lower community rating (4.6 vs 5.0)

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 Redbreast?

Redbreast 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Pot Still character.

Tasting notes

Only Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

Old WoodHoneyVanillaDried FruitToasted

Only Redbreast 21 Year Old

SherriedCooked FruitLeatheryTobacco

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