Bunnahabhain 33 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

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

Bunnahabhain 33 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
DistilleryBunnahabhainTomintoul
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.9%53.9%
Age33 yr31 yr
Price£211.95£223.7
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Bunnahabhain 33 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner45/100
Value24/100

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

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

Bunnahabhain 33 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Bunnahabhain 33 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £212 vs £224.

For beginners: Bunnahabhain 33 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Bunnahabhain 33 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£211.95 vs £223.7)
  • +Longer maturation (33 vs 31 years)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

Pros

  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£223.7 vs £211.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bunnahabhain?

Bunnahabhain 33 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 33 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeySherriedLeatheryMossy

Only Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

HoneyVanillaDried FruitToasted

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