If all goes well, I’ll be visiting Old Pulteney distillery in May (as well as Balblair, anCnoc and Speyburn), so I dug up some samples and we’ll start with the thirthy years old flagship in their portfolio. There seem to be different versions of Old Pulteney 30 years ranging from 40,5% to 44%. It is matured in ex-bourbon American oak.

Old Pulteney 30 yo
(40,5%, OB 2011)

Nose: elegantly fruity, on gooseberries, apples, oranges. Over time it develops nice tropical touches of pineapple and mango. A lemonade Old Pulteney, very attractive. It’s not overly sweet though, there’s a nice bite to it and a minty freshness. Barley and some floral notes. The typical sea breeze isn’t missing either. Mouth: nicely oily but really soft, even if it isn’t exactly thin. On the one hand sweeter notes (apples, cinnamon, vanilla), on the other hand slightly bitter oak, citrus zest, heather and ginger. A hint of salt again. Too bad the oak is the strongest player here. Finish: long, oaky and slightly kippery.

A very nice nose and always this particular seaside character that sets apart the distillery. Expensive though: around € 260.

Score: 87/100