Old Pulteney 12 Year

Old Pulteney 12 Years is a revered single malt Scotch whisky known for its maritime influence and distinctive flavor profile. Crafted in the Pulteney Distillery, located in Wick, Scotland, this expression represents the essence of the coastal town it calls home. The distillery, established in 1826, is renowned for its unique location by the North Sea, which plays a crucial role in shaping the whisky's character. Old Pulteney whiskies often carry a subtle brininess and a hint of sea air due to the coastal climate where the casks mature. This particular expression, aged for 12 years in ex-bourbon barrels, embodies a harmonious blend of sweetness, fruitiness, and a touch of coastal salinity, making it a distinctive and cherished offering among whisky enthusiasts. Appearance: The whisky has a rich amber color with golden hues. Aroma/Nose: Notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel are prominent, followed by a hint of wet wood. Palate/Taste: Initial taste is a bit sweet with classic fruity tones. Smooth and soft. Finish: There is the most interesting part - the finish is medium-long and warming with notes of wet wood or dampness with smoke. Overall Impression: I've really enjoyed it and would say you should taste it before Talisker.

I had this one in my friends house. It’s a very light and easy to drink dram. As a comparison, this is a light version of a Craigellachie 13, but a lot less complex. The ABV is too low, so it doesn’t deliver on the expectation. On the nose - primarily a orange zest with honey. Like a orange tree honey. But a light honey. Not too sweet. On the palate - the honey comes with a lot of nuts. Walnut finish for sure that might be disguised as smoke. But it’s not actually smoky, but a dry walnut. Depending on the price, this is a good option for the ones being initiated in scotch. But it’s underwhelming for the whisky connoisseur.

I get what I'd consider a very "traditional" highland single malt flavor profile, but with the notable addition of a prominent brine undertone. Outside the notable brine undertone I do feel it's a very standard average to above average 12 year highland expression, but that brine note is unique. Additionally in terms of price, it's in the lower half of 12 year single malts in my area so more budget friendly than some options. Being really objective it's probably more in the 3.0 range, but the brine note and the competitive pricing is worth at least half a point to me.

An elegant, Single Malt Scotch Whisky by Old Pulteney Distillery in Highlands, Scotland aged for a minimum of 12 years in ex-Bourbon casks. It has an aromatic birth with notes of citrus, white pepper, oatcakes, sawdust & a hint of sea spray; while a balanced life adds notes of chocolate peanuts, oak, seaweed, apple, mint, citrus peel, vanilla, spice, smoke, cream & honeycomb; that led to a long & dry death with notes of toffee, brine & lemon. June 2020 / September 2022

A 5 cl miniature from my local government liquor store, poured at room temperature into a whiskey tasting glass. Oh, it’s pleasant, almost unbearably so! The nose is frankly mostly vanilla and alcohol. Likewise the palate. Vanilla and alcohol burn. Any oak barrel note is very faint indeed. Realistically, these impressions are inevitably tainted by my imbibing 300 ml dry red wine and 90 ml medium dry sherry ahead of this tasting.

al principio no lo entendía...pero me encanta. Le siento un olor que combina mar, pasto, algo de caramelo (pero muy sutil). Toda esa complejidad en nariz no se refleja en la boca, porque me pareció un whisky liviano, sin mucho aftertaste. Por un lado, me decepciona y por otro, me gusta que sea así, porque es un estilo de whisky que nunca había probado. Recomiendo!