Bushmills 32 Year Old - Forgotten Gems vs Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

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

Bushmills 32 Year Old - Forgotten GemsOld Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
DistilleryBushmillsPulteney
RegionHighland
CountryIrelandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43.5%46%
Age32 yr26 yr
Price£599.95£399
Rating5.00/5

Bushmills 32 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

Smoke0/100
Sweetness67/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

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

Bushmills 32 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is better value at £399 vs £600.

For beginners: Bushmills 32 Year Old - Forgotten Gems is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Bushmills 32 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (32 vs 26 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£599.95 vs £399)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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 £599.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Bushmills?

Bushmills 32 Year Old - Forgotten Gems is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

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

Only Bushmills 32 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

Old WoodSherriedVanillaDried Fruit

Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

SmokeyCitricHoneyToastedFresh Fruit

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