Craigellachie 16 Year Old 1971 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

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

Craigellachie 16 Year Old 1971 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
DistilleryCraigellachiePulteney
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV40%46%
Age16 yr26 yr
Price£550£399
Rating5.00/5

Craigellachie 16 Year Old 1971 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

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

Craigellachie 16 Year Old 1971 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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 £550.

For beginners: Craigellachie 16 Year Old 1971 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Craigellachie 16 Year Old 1971 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • More expensive (£550 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 £550)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Craigellachie?

Craigellachie 16 Year Old 1971 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

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

Toasted

Only Craigellachie 16 Year Old 1971 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Old WoodSherriedVanillaNutty

Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

SmokeyCitricHoneyFresh Fruit

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