Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.2003 / 3rd Release Islay Whisky vs Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.2003 / 3rd Release Islay WhiskyOld Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
DistilleryLagavulinPulteney
RegionHighland
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%46%
AgeNAS26 yr
Price£500£399
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.2003 / 3rd Release Islay Whisky

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.2003 / 3rd Release Islay Whisky

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 £500.

For beginners: Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.2003 / 3rd Release Islay Whisky is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.2003 / 3rd Release Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • More expensive (£500 vs £399)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 £500)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.2003 / 3rd Release Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for 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

Smokey

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.2003 / 3rd Release Islay Whisky

MedicinalOilyLeathery

Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

CitricHoneyToastedFresh Fruit

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