Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask vs Longrow 9 Year Old 2002 - Open Day 2012

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

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single CaskLongrow 9 Year Old 2002 - Open Day 2012
DistilleryTomintoulSpringbank
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV53.9%59.1%
Age31 yr9 yr
Price£223.7£250
Rating5.00/5

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

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

Longrow 9 Year Old 2002 - Open Day 2012

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Longrow 9 Year Old 2002 - Open Day 2012

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £250.

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 £250)
  • +Longer maturation (31 vs 9 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Longrow 9 Year Old 2002 - Open Day 2012

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (59.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £223.7)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 Longrow?

Longrow 9 Year Old 2002 - Open Day 2012 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.

Tasting notes

Only Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

Old WoodHoneyVanillaDried FruitToasted

Only Longrow 9 Year Old 2002 - Open Day 2012

SmokeyKipperyMedicinalLeathery

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