Episode 15: Old Pulteney 12 year Scotch

This is a quick review but I recently picked up a bottle of Old Pulteney 12 for a steal and after tasting it again I needed to share a few thoughts with you. This is a great Scotch and certainly one I would recommend everyone try. At least those that like Scotch. If you like the stronger wood notes or higher sweetness of Bourbon, this might not be for you. Still, if you want to know what Scotch tastes like with almost nothing complicating the basic ingredients of barley, oak, and time, then this is a great example.

Many reviewers talk a lot about the brine or salt notes overwhelming this drink. I can find those with time, but it does not take over this Scotch for me. I find the nose to be balanced. Gentle sweetness mixed with salt but also some vanilla. The palate is full with enough spice to stay interesting. With time the sweetness opens up a bit, but never becomes overpowering. There is a citrus note in the finish with a bit of smoke. When tasting this alone in a night the brine or maritime influence stays muted. However, I have found when I drink this with other whiskeys and come back to it later in the night, the brine or almost fish notes do come out. A little less desirable.

That said, this is an enjoyable Scotch. It is consistently well made, has lots to think about while drinking and its straight forward nature makes it a great example of an un-peated Scotch aged in ex-bourbon barrels and that alone stands out among a sea of complicated finishes these days. I strongly recommend trying this.

Old Pulteney 12 Rating:✮✮✮✮✰

Video Review Link: https://youtu.be/NbWmj4VF-zA

Comments

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