Kanosuke 2018 (bottled 2021) IPA Cask Finish (cask 20049) - Modern Malt Whisky Market 2021 vs Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

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

Kanosuke 2018 (bottled 2021) IPA Cask Finish (cask 20049) - Modern Malt Whisky Market 2021Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
DistilleryKanosukePulteney
RegionHighland
CountryJapanScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56%46%
AgeNAS26 yr
Price£599£399
Rating5.00/5

Kanosuke 2018 (bottled 2021) IPA Cask Finish (cask 20049) - Modern Malt Whisky Market 2021

Smoke0/100
Sweetness35/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

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

Kanosuke 2018 (bottled 2021) IPA Cask Finish (cask 20049) - Modern Malt Whisky Market 2021

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 £599.

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

Kanosuke 2018 (bottled 2021) IPA Cask Finish (cask 20049) - Modern Malt Whisky Market 2021

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£599 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 £599)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Kanosuke?

Kanosuke 2018 (bottled 2021) IPA Cask Finish (cask 20049) - Modern Malt Whisky Market 2021 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

CitricFresh FruitToasted

Only Kanosuke 2018 (bottled 2021) IPA Cask Finish (cask 20049) - Modern Malt Whisky Market 2021

FragantMalt Extract

Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

SmokeyHoney

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