Bunnahabhain 28 Year Old 1989 (cask 5836) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants) vs Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

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

Bunnahabhain 28 Year Old 1989 (cask 5836) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants)Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
DistilleryBunnahabhainTomintoul
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43.7%53.9%
Age28 yr31 yr
Price£221.81£223.7
Rating5.00/5

Bunnahabhain 28 Year Old 1989 (cask 5836) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

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

Bunnahabhain 28 Year Old 1989 (cask 5836) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Bunnahabhain 28 Year Old 1989 (cask 5836) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants) is better value at £222 vs £224.

For beginners: Bunnahabhain 28 Year Old 1989 (cask 5836) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Bunnahabhain 28 Year Old 1989 (cask 5836) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£221.81 vs £223.7)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (31 vs 28 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£223.7 vs £221.81)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bunnahabhain?

Bunnahabhain 28 Year Old 1989 (cask 5836) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

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 Wood

Only Bunnahabhain 28 Year Old 1989 (cask 5836) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants)

SmokeyLeatheryMossyMedicinal

Only Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

HoneyVanillaDried FruitToasted

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