Good golly I like the old Pulteney 17. It has all the characteristics of a great Highland Whisky with a soft, fresh, lightly briny character that I’m truly enjoying. I couldn’t quite give it a 90, but it came incredibly close and even sitting here writing this with a glass in hand I’m tempted to give it a bump, but I just can’t quite do it. Though that could change by the time I get down to the end of the bottle and do the last glass review.
Historically a large portion of the malt created at Old Pulteney was used in the Ballentine’s blend and it wasn’t until 1997 that the Pulteney 12 years was released. The Old Pulteney 17 first made it’s debut in 2004 and the rest of the older editions came after with the 30 showing up in 2009. A fun and tasty little dram the Old Pulteney is my favorite dram for my dollars in the core, age-stated Pulteney lineup.
Old Pulteney 17 years Review
Distiller: Old Pulteney
Age: 17 years
ABV: 46%
Price: $85
Non Chill-Filtered
Natural Color
EYE
Amber
NOSE
This is like walking through an orchard in fall. Complex orchard fruit leads the way down a honied path of spice, citrus, butterscotch and other dark sweets. A light woody note shows up now and then along with a light foliage, almost floral, note and a pleasant brininess that lightly hangs about.
PALATE
I could almost copy and paste the aroma notes for the palate except for the addition of some light berry like notes and the foliage note becoming a bit more floral and reminding me of the edible flowers fancy schmancy restaurants like putting on their food (which I enjoy btw).
FINISH
Long, fruity (orchard) and speckled with dark sweets, mint and wood.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Great balance found in the complexity here. Rich medium body and a smooth easy texture. Great sipping experience.
OVERALL
Said it before and I’ll say it again; I’m REALLY enjoying this Old Pulteney 17 years. It’s just an all around awesome dram starting with that trip through the orchard on the nose that gracefully transitions to the palate before slowly fading out in a multi-dimensional shimmer. What else can I say. The 12 opened the door and the 17 made me a fan.
SCORE: 89/100
