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)Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
DistilleryBroraPulteney
RegionHighlandHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.4%46%
Age28 yr26 yr
Price£423.72£399
Rating1.00/55.00/5

Brora 28 Year Old 1981 - Old and Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner25/100
Value2/100

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness52/100
Beginner50/100
Value13/100

Brora 28 Year Old 1981 - Old and Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

Smokey

Only Brora 28 Year Old 1981 - Old and Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

Old WoodLeatheryTobaccoDried Fruit

Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

CitricHoneyToastedFresh Fruit

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