Old Pulteney 17 Year

This is whisky for me in so many ways. It sets the heart pumping and the mind racing but also removes the world and leaves you in a place of quietness – until the glass is empty. Thanks for Cascade for the sample and the only reason I'm not giving this 5 stars is that I've had the 21 year old at his place and that is as close to perfection in a glass that you will find. Nose is Lemon and floral notes with a breeze coming straight off a breaking wave. Wonderful. Taste is intense and integrated. A medium long finish and alcohol warmth but refined...The nose implies this will be a citrus heavy and sweet floral dram when the reality is a salty and briny clash with vanilla and yes lemon....but finishing in oak tannin and complex spice. Its complex but also very much an integrated whisky - integrated is the word to describe this whisky and this is what makes this better than the 12 year old....which is a marvel as well but less cerebral and exciting at the same time. The wood is much better quality and also more pronounce than the 12 year – and that’s what makes the 17 year old so good - there are layers and layers to peel back but you can also just sit back and drink it in. Loverly, loverly stuff – someone…anyone send me a case or make me a board member - please. 4.5 stars or 94.

Quick hit: Spice; heat; lemon; warming. [Whiskyfest 17]