Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid) vs Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid)
Murray McDavid
£220
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Tomintoul
★ 5.00
£224
| Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid) | Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Murray McDavid | Tomintoul |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 42.3% | 53.9% |
| Age | 31 yr | 31 yr |
| Price | £219.6 | £223.7 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid)
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid)
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Quick verdict
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid) is better value at £220 vs £224.
For beginners: Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£219.6 vs £223.7)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£223.7 vs £219.6)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Malts?
Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.
Who should buy Tomintoul?
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid)
Only Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask