Maker's Mark Gold Label VIP vs Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

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

Maker's Mark Gold Label VIPOld Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
DistilleryMaker's MarkPulteney
RegionHighland
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBourbonSingle Malt
ABV45%46%
AgeNAS26 yr
Price£499£399
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Maker's Mark Gold Label VIP

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner60/100
Value10/100

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

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

Maker's Mark Gold Label VIP

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is better value at £399 vs £499.

For beginners: Maker's Mark Gold Label VIP is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Maker's Mark Gold Label VIP

Pros

  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£499 vs £399)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£399 vs £499)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Maker's?

Maker's Mark Gold Label VIP suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Bourbon 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

HoneyToasted

Only Maker's Mark Gold Label VIP

VanillaMalt ExtractNew Wood

Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

SmokeyCitricFresh Fruit

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