Old Pulteney 35 YO

Old Pulteney 35 YO, 42,5 %

This is a real treat, I have to admit. No reason to hide it, this is classy. The Old Pulteney 35 YO was released in 2014, limited to only 1350 bottles. It has been matured in American oak ex-bourbon casks and Spanish oak ex-Sherry casks. The whisky has not been subjected to chill-filtration and is bottled at natural strength 42,5 % ABV.

The packaging, as you can see, is very good-looking (although that should never, ever be the reason to buy a whisky! It is the quality of the liquid that counts!). I particularly like the porthole!

You can still buy the Old Pulteney online at around GBP 400. This whisky is not available to buy at the monopoly stores in Norway or Sweden.

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Nose (23/25): Bourbon notes stand out first. It is light and sweet. Then a wave of rich, mature and delicate fruits. Slightly nutty. Vanilla, fudge, oranges, and possibly other nameless fruits of the tropical type. The Old Pulteney maritime feel is almost completely absent here, although you might notice a tiny touch of salt in the background.

Taste (22/25): Very sweet, but not overwhelming. Full and rich mouthfeel. Dried fruits, ginger, honey over nuts, and a touch of salt. Quite oily actually.

Finish (23/25): Very long finish! Slightly spicy now - peppery, balancing the initial sweetness perfectly. A bit of oak, and it does turn slightly dry on the finish.

Balance (23/25): If you like your dram leaning towards a maritime character, it is hard to beat Old Pulteney. While this old whisky has lost a bit of that saltiness, it has gained an incredible amount of refined maturity. Kudos!

Score (91/100)

Image from Master of Malt.

Sláinte! - Thomas