South Island 21 Year Old 1990 vs Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
South Island 21 Year Old 1990
The New Zealand Whisky Company
£117
Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01
Bruichladdich
★ 5.00
£110
| South Island 21 Year Old 1990 | Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The New Zealand Whisky Company | Bruichladdich |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | New Zealand | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 54.5% |
| Age | 21 yr | 9 yr |
| Price | £116.59 | £109.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
South Island 21 Year Old 1990
Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01
South Island 21 Year Old 1990
Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01
Quick verdict
Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01 is better value at £110 vs £117.
For beginners: South Island 21 Year Old 1990 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
South Island 21 Year Old 1990
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 9 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£116.59 vs £109.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£109.95 vs £116.59)
Cons
- −High ABV (54.5%) — may need water
Who should buy South?
South Island 21 Year Old 1990 is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Who should buy Port?
Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01 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 South Island 21 Year Old 1990
Only Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01