Old Pulteney 18 Years
The Pulteney distillery from the Scottish Highlands offers a relatively broad and high-quality core range at acceptable prices. In today's review, we have "The Maritime Malt", matured for 18 years in ex-bourbon casks and Spanish oak casks. Spoiler: A really nice Christmas whisky!
Tasting Notes
Nose
The 18-years matured single malt whisky is a festive delight with flavours of Christmas biscuits and sweet vanilla, accompanied by a hint of cinnamon and a seductive sugar glaze. The present, tart oak adds depth, while chocolate-coated nuts add an exquisite note. Later, a harmonious blend of mango and peach unfolds.
Palate
The Old Pulteney offers a balanced and multi-faceted experience. Light spicy notes of cloves and chocolate, accompanied by toffee, oak and subtle honey herald the Christmas festivities. The vanilla adds a pleasant complexity. The flavour is peppery-tingling and tangy, the texture oily with a dry accent.
Finish
The medium-long finish fulfils the promise of a salty, maritime character with white pepper. A tingling mouthfeel that hints at age leaves a sweet film on the palate.
Thoughts
Marcel 86/100
A whisky that enriches the festive season with a warm embrace of vanilla and Christmas cookies – the Old Pulteney 18 Year is pure drinking pleasure with a maritime flair. It continually surprises with sweet and spicy nuances that invite you to sip and savor. A true Christmas hero that never gets boring!
Sascha 82/100
The Old Pulteney 18 Year impresses with its balanced structure and the harmonious interplay of sweet vanilla notes, robust oak, and a subtle salty finish. The balance between maritime elements and complex spice tones makes it a technically solid, if not outstanding, single malt from the Highlands. For lovers of well-composed, medium-bodied whiskies, it’s a recommendable choice.
Value for Money: Fair
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82/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does maturation in ex-bourbon and Spanish oak casks influence the flavor of the Old Pulteney 18 Year?
The combination of ex-bourbon and Spanish oak casks gives the Old Pulteney 18 Year its complex aroma profile. The bourbon casks contribute sweet vanilla and toffee notes, while the Spanish oak casks add spicy and rich wood tones that provide depth and a harmonious balance to the whisky.
What characteristics make the Old Pulteney 18 Year a typical 'Maritime Malt'?
The Old Pulteney 18 Year is distinguished by its salty, maritime notes, which are typical for whiskies from the Pulteney distillery. This maritime influence is especially evident in the finish, with a hint of white pepper and a tingling mouthfeel that evokes the proximity to the sea.
How should one best enjoy the Old Pulteney 18 Year to fully experience its aromas?
For an optimal tasting experience, the Old Pulteney 18 Year is best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to unlock the complex aromas of Christmas cookies, vanilla, and spices. A room temperature between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius supports the full development of its multifaceted notes.