Old Pulteney 1983 Vintage

Old Pulteney tasting event, Sydney, February 26, 2020, Whisky #6 Nose: Abundant citrus notes (orange juice concentrate, mandarin, red grapefruit), mango, musk confectionery, sherry, hibiscus tea, vanilla, dark fruit, and a faint sea breeze. Palate: A substantial, dense arrival of brine and spice. As it develops, it transforms into sweet honeyed spices with a malt extract undertone, while the citrus notes from the nose reappear. Fragrant oak notes of cedar cigar boxes and sandalwood chests form the base, with a supple yet firm texture that's just shy of chewy. Hints of sherry (raisins, dark fruits, etc.) and a touch of mild tannic spice are present. Finish: Medium to long. Well-oaked malt notes fade into a sweet citrus aftertaste. Adding water was detrimental, causing everything to break down into cardboard and dust. Best enjoyed neat. Following a good but underwhelming 25-year-old, the tasting concluded on a high note with this very pleasing 33-year-old vintage dram. Distilled in 1983 and aged primarily in bourbon casks with a brief sherry finish, it exhibited the coherence typical of older whiskies while retaining vibrant notes and freshness. This event marked my first tasting of the new Old Pulteney core range. While the 15 and 18-year-old core expressions and this 33-year-old vintage were impressive, the new 12-year-old lacks the quality of the previous iteration, and the Huddart is merely adequate. Nothing available approached the quality and character of the discontinued 17 and 21-year-old expressions. Excellent: 88/100 (4 stars)

Hits the palate hard upfront with a significant citrus impact. The finish is quite extended, featuring a subtle custard undertone. Quite pleasant.

Vanilla, caramel, and a hint of raisin on the nose. Rich, spicy, and vanilla on the palate.