Hibiki 12 Year Old vs Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Hibiki 12 Year Old | Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Hibiki | Pulteney |
| Region | — | Highland |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 26 yr |
| Price | £599 | £399 |
| Rating | 4.64/5 | 5.00/5 |
Hibiki 12 Year Old
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Hibiki 12 Year Old
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Quick verdict
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.64).
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is better value at £399 vs £599.
For beginners: Hibiki 12 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Hibiki 12 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£599 vs £399)
- −Lower community rating (4.6 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)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Hibiki?
Hibiki 12 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended 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
Only Hibiki 12 Year Old
Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

