Category Archives: Old Pulteney
Old Pulteney 17yo
Whisky: Old Pulteney 17yo, 46%
R600 ≈ £50
The second youngest sibling from the Pulteney distillery is predominantly matured in ex-bourbon casks, but with the addition of whisky that has been wholly matured in Spanish wood ex-sherry casks, mostly Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso.
Nose: A light nose of coastal fresh air with extra salt, butterscotch sweetness and fine toasted oak. Fragrant and delicate, but with a sense of oiliness.
Taste: The oily weight is here as promised by the nose and it brings with it more vigor and richness. Greatly sweeter with floral and green fruits, and a measure of spice for balance. Unmistakably full-bodied and rewarding.
Finish: Ebbs and flows with fruit sweetness, florals, saltiness and even a hint of chocolate. An impressively long finish!
My Score: 84
An uncomplicated and full-bodied, well balanced whisky with good complexity and a finish that just won’t quit. Although sharing numerous similarities with it’s younger 12yo sibling, the extra few years have resulted in a richer and fuller whisky. Excellent stuff and thankfully available in South Africa for a reasonable price.
Other Scores: JM’11 95
Old Pulteney 12yo
Whisky: Old Pulteney 12yo, 43%
R280 ≈ £23
Old Pulteney is the northen most distillery on mainland Scotland, but not the most northerly in Scotland (Highland Park and Scapa on Orkney are further north.) The distillery is in the harbour town of Wick and thus you can expect some maritime notes. The packaging states that both bourbon and sherry casks are used.
Nose: A mist of sea spray with accompanying fine salt. Whiffs of orange and oak. Light, but not wispy.
Taste: This has a real firmness on the palette. Slightly oily. More hints of orange but now with a little added spice. Very crisp and clean.
Finish: Firmness fades slowly with the spice staying just a touch longer.
My Score: 78
A really solid entry level malt and a great value-for-money dram, at least it is here in SA. If you know someone who is just getting into whiskies, this will make a good gift; Not overpowering, but not lacking in flavour or character.
Other Scores: MJ 79, JM’09 85, MM 79
