Old Pulteney 17 Year

Nice, fruity light sherry, a little sweet and salty/sour (in a good way), good mouthfeel. Discontinued, does that mean I will seek out more bottles for collecting sake? I'm afraid this one has not reached that status. Will just hang on and enjoy the remaining bottles I have! Recommendation: Nice to have, I will buy a bottle if I see one at a reasonable price.

It’s a bummer Old Pulteney 17 has been discontinued because it’s delicious! I opened this bottle 4 months ago (bunkered a backup) and have been slowly making my way through it. It checks all the standard quality boxes; it’s non-chill filtered, no color added and 46% abv. But it’s more than that, this has great mouthfeel, balance and incredibly nuanced flavors. I get the same things on the nose and palate ... toffee, fresh flowers, berries, dry leaves and a touch of brine. The finish is medium and salty/sweet. Wonderful!

This is another one of those whiskies that for whatever reasons escaped me. It used to be so common and available, till it wasn’t. But thanks to my Long Island buddy @Scott_E for sending over a generous pour. I sort of felt as if this was summer in a bottle. You get this whiff of salty sea air and crisp citrus fruits. It’s as if you’re standing at a craggy Maine dock. You can taste the mineral-y, slate-y backbone, all rubbed with sea salt and lemons. Whereas the likes of Ardbeg and Lagavulin take you to cold North Atlantic sea pounded shores, this is reminiscent of gunpowder grey seas on a warm northeastern shore. It’s probably outrageously priced now, since it’s no longer made, but if you happen to see it priced reasonably at <$80...grab it. Grab a few. I just hope the new OP lineup is just as good , but something tells me probably not.