This is the whisky that pushed me over the edge. I had been drinking whisky for a bit, but it wasn’t until I brought home an Old Pulteney 17yo from Gatwick years ago, that I really learnt the beauty Scotch single malt whisky.
I have to admit that I haven’t owned a bottle of the 17yo in recent years, but when I was looking to buy some samples a couple of weeks ago, I couldn’t pass up the chance to revisit my first true whisky love. And if it’s still not clear, I have an emotional attachment to Pulteney. Which is also something for you to keep in mind when you read my tasting notes.
Old Pulteney 17yo (46%, OB)
Nose: Soft oranges and lemon curd with a sprinkle of salt, which is signature Pulteney for me. Some lime zest and melon in the background, with freshly cut grass as well.
Taste: Coconut, vanilla and lemons, followed by brine/salt, some white pepper and porridge. Also a sweet nuttiness, like honey glazed almonds.
Finish: Lemon and sea salt. Touch of salmon. Good length.
Rating: 87
It’s great to see that years after I last tasted this, it holds up. I feel it is one of the better distillery bottlings in its age bracket.
Very Very Nice
Maybe I’ll have to revisit this as it has been sitting at the back of my cabinet for a while… always found the 17yo rather flat and too herbal. Your review convinced me to give it a 2nd try!