Old Pulteney 17 Year

definitely a pulteney on the nose - little saltiness in the taste as well - cant decide which is better this or the 21

Tried at The Irish Heather Gastro pub with John. Feb 18, 2017. 1st of a flight of 4. $21/dram in house The Pulteney distillery was created in 1826 as part of “Pultneytown” - a settlement built to house and supply fisherman during the herring boom in Wick. It’s the northern coastal location that gives this whiskey it’s slight saltiness and brightness. The 17 year is made up from over 90% refill Bourbon casks providing for the predominant flavours of honey and vanilla to balance with the coastal elements from Scotland most northern mainland distillery

I'm not gonna lie: the start is a little weak here. While the nose isn't off-putting, it really isn't inviting either, as you force yourself to strain your nostril, searching endlessly for a hint of something, anything. Luckily, the palate is mesmerizing. Hell, it feels like a smack to your face as your tongue is hit with incredible complexity all working together in perfect unison: mangoes, oranges and even acetone (yes, nail polish remover - love that smell). There's also toffee and sugar towards a satisfying finish that really does make up for the slow start. I love it!

Robbie Burns 2017

4.6 Open and keep in bottle for 1 month. Moved to 4.3 - 1 drop of water. Nothing like it 1 more month.. upgraded to 4.5 Fantastic smell, sweet, nutty, unique, complex. Taste: very sweet, rich. Compared it to Glenlevit and Dalwhinnie, but tops both. Last drop upgraded to 4.6.

I may have underestimated this the first time I had a dram. My initial impression was that it was good (very good, even), but too woody for my taste. Suffice it to say that ship has sailed; it looks my local bar is a bit into a new bottle, so I wonder if my previous experience was impacted by over oxygenation in its predecessor. Regardless, I was shocked to be able to smell the dram from feet away - the Old Pulteney ripe fruit explodes out of the glass. When you get a bit closer in, there are notes of wood spice, plummy dark fruit, nuts, and dark chocolate to be found. On the palate, this is the 12 year's slightly more sophisticated older sibling - the elements present on the nose all integrate perfectly into a rich mouthful of whisky, almost choral harmony of fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts, spice, citrus peel, dark chocolate, and vanilla-inflected salted caramel. Its oily mouthfeel coats and lingers. I'm glad I gave this a second look; the price point keeps it from becoming a daily drinker (the 12 can maintain that honor), but as a treat...you betcha.