Mortlach 34 Year Old 1986 (cask 2035) (Adelphi) vs Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

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

Mortlach 34 Year Old 1986 (cask 2035) (Adelphi)Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
DistilleryMortlachPulteney
RegionSpeysideHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.2%46%
Age34 yr26 yr
Price£550£399
Rating5.00/5

Mortlach 34 Year Old 1986 (cask 2035) (Adelphi)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

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

Mortlach 34 Year Old 1986 (cask 2035) (Adelphi)

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 £550.

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

Mortlach 34 Year Old 1986 (cask 2035) (Adelphi)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (34 vs 26 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (54.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£550 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 £550)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Mortlach?

Mortlach 34 Year Old 1986 (cask 2035) (Adelphi) 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

Only Mortlach 34 Year Old 1986 (cask 2035) (Adelphi)

LeatheryOilyOld WoodTobaccoNutty

Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

SmokeyCitricHoneyToastedFresh Fruit

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