Brora 28 Year Old 1981 - Old and Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) vs Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Brora 28 Year Old 1981 - Old and Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)
Brora
★ 1.00
£424

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Pulteney
★ 5.00
£399
| Brora 28 Year Old 1981 - Old and Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) | Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Brora | Pulteney |
| Region | Highland | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.4% | 46% |
| Age | 28 yr | 26 yr |
| Price | £423.72 | £399 |
| Rating | 1.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Brora 28 Year Old 1981 - Old and Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Brora 28 Year Old 1981 - Old and Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Quick verdict
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 1.00).
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is better value at £399 vs £424.
For beginners: Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Brora 28 Year Old 1981 - Old and Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (28 vs 26 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£423.72 vs £399)
- −Lower community rating (1.0 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 £423.72)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Brora?
Brora 28 Year Old 1981 - Old and Rare Platinum (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 Brora 28 Year Old 1981 - Old and Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)
Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)