Old Pulteney 18 Year

Old Pulteney tasting event, Sydney, February 26, 2020, Whisky #4 Nose: Rich, dusky floral (hibiscus and old rose), dark fruits (dried dates), chocolate muffins, orange syrup, fresh oily cigar, cinnamon and oak. There is a faint suggestion of ash or charcoal in the distance. Palate: Rich, sweet chocolate and blood orange marmalade arrival with a briny foundation. Herbal, spicy development with apricots, nectarines and hazelnut. The texture is creamy and full. Finish: Long. Praline, nougat and orange chocolate with a dash of salty caramel sauce. Beautiful finish. There is a similarity to some facets of the 15 year old expression here but this is far less dry and has a creamy rich quality. Not that the signature Old Pulteney briny dryness is lacking, but this expression has found a supurb balance. Adding water enlarges the dram but it is not necessary. It spends 16 years in ex-bourbon and receives 2 years of ex-sherry finishing, which seems to be an excellent combination, but I can’t help wonder what a few casks of PX-matured spirit in the vatting would do. This was also the first dram that I felt approached anything like the stature of the old 17 and 21 year expressions, although they are still much the superior drams. At the moment there is no allocation of this whisky to Australia but when it does come (and it will) the price will be around $250-300, which was that of the old 21 year at the time it was withdrawn. Unfortunately as much as I enjoyed this whisky I will not be paying that sort of money for a bottle. “Very Good” : 87/100 (4.25 stars)

Nose - faint sense of pear and apple Taste - toasty flavor, spicyness which somewhat reminds me of nutmeg and ground black peppercorns, vanilla Finish - moderate length with flavors carrying over from the palate Score - 4.0 Scoring Legend 5.0 - Outstanding, unmatched to others 4.5 - Excellent, I will always keep a bottle in stock if possible 4.0 - Very good, quite enjoyable to drink, can consider as a solid choice 3.5 - Good, would taste again 3.0 - Average 2.5 - Acceptable, still drinkable 2.0 - Inferior, able to drink but not enjoyable 1.5 and below—wouldn’t drink again unless I am desperate

Des raisins secs, du miel, un nez concentré, des abricots séchés, une pointe de sel en fin de bouche, une texture très riche et enveloppante, un profil accessible mais très savoureux, une pomme au four/cidre de glace, belle longueur épicée (muscade, cardamome, 5 épices…). Pas le scotch le plus complexe, mais certainement dans la catégorie des plus réconfortants. Robe de chambre et feu de foyer sont presque nécessaires!

Sweet and fruity smell of slight honey, orange, and even some lemon. Touch of chocolate and some spice come out as it opens - give it at least 20 minutes and these flavors will now dominate. Light, medium- intensity. On the palette, orange peel and sea salt. Some oakiness remains as it lingers. Length is medium. Overall, medium- rich and fruity with hint of ocean, typical OP traits.

Nose: nice deep old wood, spiced orange, a bit of orchard fruits, cinnamon and clove, nice sweet malt. Palate: oily, prominent baking spice, nice dark sherry fruitiness, a little nuttiness and a hint of salinity. A bit of candied orange peel. Finish: lightly oaky tannin, spicy sherry

The light straw color belies the power of what is to come. Ocean air mixes with baking spices and wonderful fruit and opens quickly. Fruitcake, with a mix of fresh and dried fruit. Vanilla mixes in in great balance. Honey. At the end, plenty of salt and just a hint of smoke. Wonderful.