Old Pulteney Single Cask 231 Review

My first taste of Old Pulteney 12 pulled me in and got me interested, but it was my first taste of Old Pulteney 17 that turned me into a fan. Since then I’ve had all the core, and some Indies, and this Old Pulteney Single Cask 231 is without a doubt one of the best casks/expressions I’ve had from this amazing and often overlooked distillery. It’s VERY quickly become one of my favorite whiskies of the year.

Old Pulteney Single Cask 231

It’s not a massive, bold or brash delivery. It’s not a deep brooding whisky and instead sits at the other end being a light, and slightly buttery, whisky that delivers in nuances and surprising moments. I know I’m already waxing a bit poetical about this whisky, but I think once you read the Scotch review below you’ll understand why.

2004 Old Pulteney Single Cask Review: Details and Tasting Notes

In K&L’s Words:

This exceptional cask from the gorgeous little distillery in Wick is the first we’ve ever had directly from Old Pulteney. Distilled in late 2004 and filled into and ex-bourbon barrel, the whisky was bottled at the end of last year without any dilution or filtration of any kind. Old Pulteney, despite wining nurmerous accolades, remains one of Scotland’s great unsung heros in the Highlands.

Detail of the Old Pulteney Single Cask

Details (price, mash bill, cask type, ABV, etc.)

Region: Highlands, Scotland

Distiller: Old Pulteney
Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Bourbon
Age: 13 Years
ABV: 55.2%

Cask Strength | Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color

Barrel: 231

Price: $110

Tasting Notes

EYE
Golden honey

NOSE
Salty sea air, malty sweetness, fruity sweetness (banana, apricot, dried orchard fruits), buttery graham, spice and touches of leather.

PALATE
Almost a carbon copy of the aroma with deeper notes of malty sweetness, fruity sweetness (banana, apricot, dried orchard fruits), graham, saline, spice, buttery pastry and touches of leather.

FINISH
Med-long -> Buttery malt, banana, caramel and spice.

BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Great sense of balance, round-full body and a heavy oily feel.

Bottled at 55.2%, aged for 13 years and priced around $110. This whisky is the embodiment of all that is Old Pulteney. This is an exceptional and elegant cask I don’t want to end.

Old Pulteney Single Cask 231 Review: Overall and Score

I’ve had a decent amount of Old Pulteney in my life and this is one of the best expressions I’ve had. The Aroma is complex and aromatic with layers of spice, malt, fruit and a light maritime character; Palate hits the same notes but with a butterier delivery; Finish carries it through buttery and sweet. I’m a little obsessed with this whisky right now.

Water deepens this Old Pulteney Single Cask 231 more and brings out some added banana bread notes on the aroma and the palate gets a bit waxy – reminding me, slightly, of a good Clynelish. This is a great whiskey.

As a general rule I’m a big fan of ex-Sherry aged whisky, but certain distilleries I think it’s more a hindrance than a help and Old Pulteney is one of those. I love ex-Bourbon Old Pulteney because they make such a great malt I don’t want it covered up, I want it shown and expressed like it is here. This… this is a great Old Pulteney.

SCORE: 91/100 (A-)

Old Pulteney Single Cask 231 Review