Old Pulteney 12 Year

Beautiful maritime scotch.

I'm happy I was able to pick this up before Old Pulteney started releasing this at 80 proof instead of 86 proof. The difference in expert reviewer score is certainly dramatic, from 95 to the newer 84 score. The nose is delightful. It is bright, buttery, corn dust, and most of all heavy sea salt/brine. Sea salt mixed with light barley is the dominant taste, with some spice that could be a mix of black pepper and something else. The sea salt lingers on the palate, a medium finish with a shortbread note more common to Irish whiskey. Overall I think this is outstanding, and it's a shame they lowered the proof to 80 because I imagine the sea salt is tampered down with additional water. This is one of the best under $50 single malts I've bought. I also think this is very similar to the Oban 14, so if you are in the mood for an unpeated briny single malt buy this first and save yourself $30-40. My friends and I have bought at least 5 bottles of Oban 14 over the years and if I knew about this we could've saved a lot of money.

Delicious scotch, nice and mild with sweet wood notes. I wish this was bottled at a few percent more but it’s a mainstay at my house

Jan 2020. Clear medium light gold. Small tulip. Aromatic sweet floral, ripen kernel fruit, nuts, almonds, chestnuts, beacon, and wax in nose. Vanilla, tropical fruit, and sweet light maltose in palate. Good ex bourbon malt whisky. Classic like a textbook.

Ehh. Nothing to write home about.