Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) vs Springbank 12 Year Old 2000 - Calvados Wood

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

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)Springbank 12 Year Old 2000 - Calvados Wood
DistilleryPulteneySpringbank
RegionHighlandCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%52.7%
Age26 yr12 yr
Price£399£499
Rating5.00/54.67/5

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

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

Springbank 12 Year Old 2000 - Calvados Wood

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner45/100
Value9/100

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Springbank 12 Year Old 2000 - Calvados Wood

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.67).

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

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

Springbank 12 Year Old 2000 - Calvados Wood

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (52.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£499 vs £399)
  • Lower community rating (4.7 vs 5.0)

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 Springbank?

Springbank 12 Year Old 2000 - Calvados Wood 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

ToastedFresh Fruit

Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

SmokeyCitricHoney

Only Springbank 12 Year Old 2000 - Calvados Wood

Cooked FruitVanilla

Explore more