Old Pulteney 18 Year

Old Pulteney tasting event, Sydney, February 26, 2020, Whisky #4 Smell: Rich, dusky floral notes (hibiscus and old rose), dark fruits (dried dates), chocolate muffins, orange syrup, fresh oily cigar, cinnamon, and oak. A faint hint of ash or charcoal is present in the background. Taste: A rich, sweet arrival of chocolate and blood orange marmalade with a briny base. Herbal, spicy development with apricots, nectarines, and hazelnut. The texture is creamy and full. Finish: Long. Praline, nougat, and orange chocolate with a touch of salty caramel sauce. A beautiful finish. There's a resemblance to certain aspects of the 15-year-old expression here, but this is far less dry and possesses a rich, creamy quality. Not that the characteristic Old Pulteney briny dryness is absent, but this bottling has achieved a superb equilibrium. Adding water enhances the dram but isn't necessary. It spends 16 years in ex-bourbon casks and receives a 2-year ex-sherry finish, which appears to be an excellent combination, though I can't help but wonder about the impact of including a few casks of PX-matured spirit in the blend. This was also the first dram where I felt it approached the level of the old 17 and 21-year expressions, although they remain far superior drams. Currently, there is no allocation of this whisky to Australia, but when it becomes available (which it will), the price will be approximately $250-300, which was the price of the old 21-year-old when it was discontinued. Unfortunately, as much as I enjoyed this whisky, I won't be spending that amount for a bottle. "Very Good": 87/100 (4.25 stars)

Nose - a faint hint of pear and apple. Taste - toasty flavor, spiciness that 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.

Raisins, honey, a concentrated nose, dried apricots, a hint of salt on the finish, a very rich and enveloping texture, an approachable yet very flavorful profile, baked apple/ice cider, nice spicy length (nutmeg, cardamom, 5-spice...). Not the most complex scotch, but certainly among the most comforting. A robe and a fireplace are almost essential!

A sweet and fruity aroma with hints of honey, orange, and even some lemon. A touch of chocolate and spice emerge as it opens – give it at least 20 minutes, and these flavors will become dominant. Light to medium intensity. On the palate, orange peel and sea salt. Some oakiness remains as it lingers. The length is medium. Overall, medium-rich and fruity with a hint of the ocean, typical for this producer.

Nose: exhibits mature wood characteristics, spiced orange, some orchard fruits, cinnamon and clove, and a pleasant sweet malt aroma. Palate: possesses an oily texture, prominent baking spices, enjoyable dark sherry fruitiness, a touch of nuttiness, and a hint of salinity. Notes of candied orange peel are also present. Finish: finishes with mild oak tannins and spicy sherry notes.

The pale straw hue doesn't hint at the power that follows. The scent of the sea mingles with baking spices and wonderful fruit, opening up rapidly. It's like fruitcake, with a blend of fresh and dried fruits. Vanilla integrates seamlessly in great balance. Honey is present. Towards the end, there's ample salt and just a whisper of smoke. Magnificent.