Whisky News: An Old Pulteney Exclusive at K&L California – Scotch Whisky News
A Rare Single Cask from an Under-the-Radar Distillery
Our Old Pulteney 13 Year Old Single Cask is true gem that should not be ignored by any serious lover of Highland malts. This is the first time ever we have brought in a single cask from this highly regarded distillery, and there’s simply no other way to put it—this Scotch rocks the house! What makes this dram so incredible is not flash and sizzle, but instead its staid, measured, and foursquare approach. That quality here really shines through with notes of vibrant citrus fruit, buttercream, baking spice, cocoa, and mint. Its oily texture and maritime aesthetic are what really bring the package together. Being raised in a first fill, ex-bourbon barrel has done wonders to this impeccably crafted distillate. Hands down, this is one of the most exciting casks we’ve delivered in 2019. Combine the amazing quality of this 13-year-old Scotch with its very tempting direct-import price and you have an incredible deal of the highest order. Quantities are limited.
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 an ex-bourbon barrel, the whisky was bottled at the end of last year without any dilution or filtration. Old Pulteney, despite winning numerous accolades, remains one of Scotland’s great unsung heros in the Highlands. Built in 1826, it was not easily accessible until much later. Barley would have been shipped in on fishing vessels and whisky shipped out. While Wick was once known for their herring, its claim to fame now is this wonderful malt from what was once the most northerly distillery on mainland Scotland. The Pulteney Distillery has an extremely unusual lyne arm that slopes sharply down into the condenser. The spirit is full bodied and packed with flavor and nearly 14 years in the cold, damp warehouse near the distillery has given this whisky tons of oceany character. The nose is an intense combo of rich toffee, vanilla, purple stone fruits and aged wood. The palate tingles with salty maltiness, Seville orange peel, bold orchard fruit and salted dark cocoa. Creamy and textured, it builds toward a long spice-driven finish.
David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 23, 2019
Old Pulteney is one of those under-the-radar distilleries that the geeks hate to talk about. No one was happy when Jim Murray named their now discontinued 21-year-old Whisky of the Year and rightfully so as it’s since become nearly impossible to acquire at the original price. Despite the awards and good will from the cognoscenti, Pulteney has remained a background player in the single malt world. Current owners ThaiBev, however, are looking to establish the Old Pulteney distillery in the very north of Scotland in its rightful place as one of the Highlands’ most well regarded malts. Part of that process is changing from the off-year expressions to the more familiar age offerings (12, 18, 25), but also by launching a seemingly secret single barrel program. Only a handful of shops have jumped on the opportunity to own a cask-strength single barrel from the odd little distillery in Wick. We’ve been lucky enough to be one of them. As with many Pulteney, the nose is pure salt, malt, herbal tea and cardamom. The palate is deep with roasted cocoa, fudge, and touches of anise, fennel and vanilla. But of course, with water this thing erupts. Now on the nose the ripest Bartlett pears – smashed, lemon peel, Mirabelle, dried apricot, salted butter on toast. The anise moving much more toward mint and fennel flavors and a long creamy texture is pointed with cotton candy, lemon oils and the tiniest hints of diesel smoke. Staunchly pleasing due to its exceptional purity and straight forwardness. The interplay between the malt, fruit and salt is quintessential Pulteney in my book. It might not be the most nuanced whisky we sell this year, but it may be the one you finish first. Too GOOD to put down!
