South Island 21 Year Old 1990 vs Tullibardine 25 Year Old

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

South Island 21 Year Old 1990Tullibardine 25 Year Old
DistilleryThe New Zealand Whisky CompanyTullibardine
RegionHighland
CountryNew ZealandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV40%43%
Age21 yr25 yr
Price£116.59£155
Rating5.00/5

South Island 21 Year Old 1990

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Tullibardine 25 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner70/100
Value32/100

South Island 21 Year Old 1990

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tullibardine 25 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Tullibardine 25 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

South Island 21 Year Old 1990 is better value at £117 vs £155.

For beginners: South Island 21 Year Old 1990 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

South Island 21 Year Old 1990

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£116.59 vs £155)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Tullibardine 25 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£155 vs £116.59)

Who should buy South?

South Island 21 Year Old 1990 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.

Who should buy Tullibardine?

Tullibardine 25 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Honey

Only South Island 21 Year Old 1990

Old WoodDried FruitSherriedTobacco

Only Tullibardine 25 Year Old

Malt ExtractVanillaToastedNutty

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