I won’t go as far as to say that Old Pulteney is an under-appreciated distillery, but I do think that they deserve a little more attention than they are getting. Their core range of the 12, 17 and 21 are excellent whiskies in their price range. Which reminds me, I have to review them some time in the near future.
Anyway, Old Pulteney produces some excellent Highland-whisky. And their spirit shines in both ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. But there aren’t many independent bottlings out there, which is a shame. There’ve only been a few OP-casks released in 2015, and one of them is this 24 year old from Cadenhead, from the excellent 1990 vintage.
Old Pulteney 1990/2015 (53,7%, Cadenhead, 198 bts.)
Nose: Velvety smooth with lovely creamy vanilla. Freshly cut green apples, stewed pear and a hint of mango and strawberry. The trademark saltiness is here, along with some grassy aromas.
Taste: Creamy vanilla again, with apples, pineapple, crème brûlée and macademia nuts. It ends on a strong chili pepper note.
Finish: Warming and creamy with citrus and pineapple.
Rating: 90
Phew, I wish Cadenhead would release more of their 1990 stock of Old Pulteney. They’ve released quite a few in the past, so I’m willing to bet they have some more neatly stored away.
Sure glad that, after your sample, I was able to get hold of a bottle! Just opened it and it was as good as I remembered.
Happy to hear you still like it 🙂
My lord this is nice stuff…! OP like I’ve not tasted before.
Excellent sample recommendation, Thijs.
Glad you liked it Julius 😀