It is the best of whisky times and the worst of whisky times! We have Distilleries capable of turning out fantastic spirit at good values like Deanston, Bunnahabhain, Talisker. While others, that used to make legendary drams, are losing their mojo like (*obligatory Macallan reference), Balblair, Highland Park and Old Pulteney... Old Pulteney: An old, dusty distillery in North Scotland with an odd name that I dismissed as I began my recent whisky journey despite some whisky journalist giving them "whisky of the year" previously. The logo reminded me of old spice cologne (!?!). I pursued certain whiskies because all the reviews and "everyone" said they were great. Must have! A'bunadh and GlenDronach... Highland Park... Springbank, etc. But then I started finding the hidden gems that were almost secretly revered like Kavalan Solist, Famous Grouse 18 and Balblair 1990... and these were amazing whiskys! However, I kept seeing these comments and whispers about Old Pulteney 17. That weird-sounding distillery from Wick. I heard it was no longer produced and was able to pick up 2 bottles at reasonable price and promptly put them away for 9 months. After a while, I got a sample of Old Pulteney 12 from Europe, time to break out that OP17 that everyone raves and screams about (salty! sweet! lemon curd!) and do a comparison. The OP12 was nothing really special, very thin - the 40% abv of Europe hurt it... so I get to the OP17 and OH MY F#CKING GOD... it is amazing!!! Wow. The mouthfeel. So thick and coating! Delicious. Old Pulteney, this little old distillery, quietly making some of the best whisky in the world. But NOT ENOUGH of it! I am still fairly new to whisky and I have allergies and I am almost alway congested to some extent so my nosing and tasting notes are always a little subdued. I try to highlight the big scents and flavors, broad strokes... Nose: baking spices, cinnamon, light fruit - maybe citrus going into floral Palate: Sweet, Rich and semi-viscous. A little spicy. Coats the mouth. Lemon, vanilla and a touch of brine. Mellow and refined. Finish: Medium, baking spices and kind of creamy This whisky really delivered in a big way. One of my favorites now along with Balblair 1990, Benrinnes, (good) Edradour, Talisker. Totally unique: I cannot think of anyother whisky like it. I was heartbroken because people were raving about the OP21 and I failed to find any (at a reasonable price). I was able to get a few more bottles of the OP17 though. I love this malt. I have not tasted the new range of Old Pulteney but it doesn't sound promising. At any rate, I finally understand what everyone was talking about. Even though there are some distilleries producing great whisky, maybe some of the best they have ever done I cannot help but lament the trend of whisky overall getting more expensive for less quality. I have only been drinking whisky for a short 2 years and I feel like I have missed out on so much. This fantastic Old Pulteney 17 is for all intents gone now, along with the 21, and the world is poorer for it. So many great whiskys at reasonable prices are going extinct all around us every day now. Many already long gone... sigh. 6 months later, I was able to procure a bottle of OP21! It is different from the 17 but also very, very good! A review for another day perhaps. "This is what you want, isn't it? Look at it. The last of its kind. Like you and I. If you destroy it, the world will never see its kind again..." -Prince Nuada (Hellboy 2: The Golden Army)