Bruichladdich 28 Year Old 1991 (cask 16883) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing) vs Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Bruichladdich 28 Year Old 1991 (cask 16883) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
DistilleryBruichladdichTomintoul
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.7%53.9%
Age28 yr31 yr
Price£273.08£223.7
Rating3.67/55.00/5

Bruichladdich 28 Year Old 1991 (cask 16883) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner35/100
Value13/100

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner45/100
Value22/100

Bruichladdich 28 Year Old 1991 (cask 16883) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.67).

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask is better value at £224 vs £273.

For beginners: Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Bruichladdich 28 Year Old 1991 (cask 16883) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (50.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£273.08 vs £223.7)
  • Lower community rating (3.7 vs 5.0)

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£223.7 vs £273.08)
  • +Longer maturation (31 vs 28 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bruichladdich?

Bruichladdich 28 Year Old 1991 (cask 16883) - The First Editions (Hunter 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 Tomintoul?

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask 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

Both taste of

Old WoodDried Fruit

Only Bruichladdich 28 Year Old 1991 (cask 16883) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinal

Only Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

HoneyVanillaToasted

Explore more