Cragganmore 33 Year Old 1985 (cask 1241) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory) vs Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

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

Cragganmore 33 Year Old 1985 (cask 1241) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory)Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
DistilleryCragganmorePulteney
RegionSpeysideHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV53.4%46%
Age33 yr26 yr
Price£575£399
Rating5.00/5

Cragganmore 33 Year Old 1985 (cask 1241) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

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

Cragganmore 33 Year Old 1985 (cask 1241) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory)

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 £575.

For beginners: Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Cragganmore 33 Year Old 1985 (cask 1241) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (33 vs 26 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£575 vs £399)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 £575)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Cragganmore?

Cragganmore 33 Year Old 1985 (cask 1241) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory) 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

ToastedSmokey

Only Cragganmore 33 Year Old 1985 (cask 1241) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory)

SherriedOld WoodDried Fruit

Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

CitricHoneyFresh Fruit

Explore more