Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) vs Teeling Gold Reserve 26 Year Old Single Malt

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

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)Teeling Gold Reserve 26 Year Old Single Malt
DistilleryPulteneyTeeling
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%46%
Age26 yr26 yr
Price£399£430
Rating5.00/54.75/5

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

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

Teeling Gold Reserve 26 Year Old Single Malt

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner75/100
Value11/100

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Teeling Gold Reserve 26 Year Old Single Malt

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.75).

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) is better value at £399 vs £430.

For beginners: Teeling Gold Reserve 26 Year Old Single Malt 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 £430)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Teeling Gold Reserve 26 Year Old Single Malt

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£430 vs £399)
  • Lower community rating (4.8 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 Teeling?

Teeling Gold Reserve 26 Year Old Single Malt 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

Honey

Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

SmokeyCitricToastedFresh Fruit

Only Teeling Gold Reserve 26 Year Old Single Malt

SherriedDried FruitOld WoodVanilla

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