Old Pulteney 30yo (44%, OB, +/-2009)

It is somewhat rare to see any old bottlings of Old Pulteney sporting the official distillery livery. The 21yo/1983 and the 17yo spring to mind however this is a note worthy exception and bottled without chill filtration or the addition of colour. Bravo!

The nose is very pleasing right away light fruit, chocolate, delicate marmalade with oak and ever so gentle leather woven into the background. There are also hints of warm lychee (right off the tree & not store bought), sweet malt and old musical instruments. It’s a collection of aromas that are well integrated and would be the envy of many whiskies. The more time it spends in the glass, the more that is revealed and the delicate aromas are a delight. The taste is gentle with a initial mild flash of peat reek quickly over taken by the malt, fruit and the oak/leather notes followed by some additional gentle sweetness that silkily binds it all together. This is simply delicious. The finish is gentle, warming and long while cycling through the afore mentioned descriptors. The middle finish delivers an excellent bitter oak chocolate mocha moment that is divine. After a short while some really excellent malt pops up followed by some of the fruit and fades away in oaky dryness.

Oooff…what an excellent dram.

£245 at the Whisky Exchange

Score 90 Points