Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask vs Bruichladdich 28 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Tomintoul
★ 5.00
£224
Bruichladdich 28 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Bruichladdich
£230
| Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask | Bruichladdich 28 Year Old - Forgotten Gems | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Tomintoul | Bruichladdich |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.9% | 48.5% |
| Age | 31 yr | 28 yr |
| Price | £223.7 | £229.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Bruichladdich 28 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Bruichladdich 28 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Quick verdict
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask is better value at £224 vs £230.
For beginners: Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask is more approachable (45/100 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 £229.95)
- +Longer maturation (31 vs 28 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Bruichladdich 28 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£229.95 vs £223.7)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 Bruichladdich?
Bruichladdich 28 Year Old - Forgotten Gems 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 Bruichladdich 28 Year Old - Forgotten Gems