Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) vs Old Pulteney 21 Year Old

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

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)Old Pulteney 21 Year Old
DistilleryPulteneyPulteney
RegionHighlandHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%46%
Age26 yr21 yr
Price£399£499
Rating5.00/54.63/5

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

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

Old Pulteney 21 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner75/100
Value9/100

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Old Pulteney 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.63).

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

For beginners: Old Pulteney 21 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

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 £499)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Old Pulteney 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£499 vs £399)
  • Lower community rating (4.6 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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.

Who should buy Old?

Old Pulteney 21 Year Old is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

HoneyToasted

Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

SmokeyCitricFresh Fruit

Only Old Pulteney 21 Year Old

VanillaSherriedOld Wood

Explore more