Bowmore 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 15647) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bowmore 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 15647) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Bowmore
£500
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Pulteney
★ 5.00
£399
| Bowmore 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 15647) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Pulteney |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 51% | 46% |
| Age | 25 yr | 26 yr |
| Price | £500 | £399 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 15647) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Bowmore 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 15647) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Quick verdict
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is better value at £399 vs £500.
For beginners: Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 15647) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (51%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£500 vs £399)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£399 vs £500)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 15647) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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 Bowmore 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 15647) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)