Old Pulteney 12 Year

Old Pulteney 12 Years is a respected single malt Scotch whisky recognized for its coastal character and distinct flavor. Produced at the Pulteney Distillery in Wick, Scotland, it captures the spirit of its seaside home. Established in 1826, the distillery's location by the North Sea significantly influences the whisky's profile. Old Pulteney spirits often possess a subtle brininess and a hint of sea air from the coastal maturation environment. This particular expression, matured for 12 years in former bourbon casks, offers a balanced combination of sweetness, fruitiness, and a touch of coastal saltiness, making it a unique and valued choice for whisky lovers. Appearance: A deep amber color with golden reflections. Aroma/Nose: Prominent notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel, followed by a suggestion of damp wood. Palate/Taste: Begins with a slight sweetness and traditional fruity notes. It's smooth and gentle. Finish: The most intriguing part is the finish, which is medium-long and warming, featuring notes of damp wood or moisture with smoke. Overall Impression: I found it very enjoyable and suggest trying it before Talisker.

A friend shared this with me. It's a very mild and easily consumed spirit. It reminds me of a lighter, less complex version of Craigellachie 13. The lower alcohol content doesn't meet expectations. It smells mostly of orange peel and honey, like orange blossom honey, but it's a delicate sweetness. On the tongue, the honey is accompanied by a lot of walnuts. The finish is certainly walnut, possibly mistaken for smoke, but it's a dry walnut, not smoky. This could be a good entry point for scotch newcomers, depending on the price. However, it might disappoint experienced whisky drinkers.

I perceive what I would consider a very "traditional" highland single malt flavor profile, but with the significant addition of a noticeable brine undertone. Apart from the prominent brine, I 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, making it more budget-friendly than some other options. Objectively, it's probably more in the 3.0 range, but the brine note and the competitive pricing are worth at least half a point to me.

An elegant Single Malt Scotch Whisky from Old Pulteney Distillery in Highlands, Scotland, aged at least 12 years in former Bourbon barrels. It begins aromatically with notes of citrus, white pepper, oatcakes, sawdust, and a hint of sea spray; its balanced middle offers notes of chocolate peanuts, oak, seaweed, apple, mint, citrus peel, vanilla, spice, smoke, and cream, finishing with honeycomb; the long, dry conclusion brings notes of toffee, brine, and lemon. June 2020 / September 2022

A small sample from the state-run liquor store, served at room temperature in a whiskey tasting glass. Wow, it's pleasant, almost overwhelmingly so! The nose is really just vanilla and alcohol. Same goes for the palate. Vanilla and alcohol burn. Any oak barrel influence is very faint. Realistically, my tasting impressions might be affected by having consumed 300 ml of dry red wine and 90 ml of medium-dry sherry before this.

At first I didn't get it... but I love it. I detect a smell that combines the sea, grass, some caramel (but very subtle). All that complexity on the nose isn't reflected in the mouth, because I found it a light whisky, without much aftertaste. On one hand, it disappoints me and on the other, I like that it's like that, because it's a style of whisky I'd never tried before. Recommended!