Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1994 (cask 347613) - The Duncan Taylor Single vs Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1994 (cask 347613) - The Duncan Taylor Single
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£420

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Pulteney
★ 5.00
£399
| Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1994 (cask 347613) - The Duncan Taylor Single | Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Pulteney |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53% | 46% |
| Age | 20 yr | 26 yr |
| Price | £419.81 | £399 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1994 (cask 347613) - The Duncan Taylor Single
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1994 (cask 347613) - The Duncan Taylor Single
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Quick verdict
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is better value at £399 vs £420.
For beginners: Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1994 (cask 347613) - The Duncan Taylor Single
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£419.81 vs £399)
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£399 vs £419.81)
- +Longer maturation (26 vs 20 years)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1994 (cask 347613) - The Duncan Taylor Single 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 Old?
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1994 (cask 347613) - The Duncan Taylor Single
Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)