Slainte-Mhath
Old Pulteney 12 Year
Single Malt — Highlands, Scotland
Reviewed
January 30, 2017 (edited March 5, 2024)
As coastal malt from the Northern Highlands, Old Pulteney 12 is unlike many other whiskies: it's not made to be 'pleasant'. What you get is a demanding flavor profile, strength of character and a real personality. On the nose, there is a complex bouquet of bitter honey, tropical fruits, fresh ginger and hints of sea salt. The taste alternates between caramel sweetness, orange zest and savory notes before the oak kicks in and leads to a moderate, herbal crisp and rather dry finish. A rewarding single malt that requires time, patience and some experience!
RATING: 3.7/5.0 stars ≙ 85 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE [+]
30.0
EUR
per
Bottle
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It really does open up with a little time to breathe; I remember being initially underwhelmed, and then my 3rd dram was an entirely different experience.
I also noticed a change in character from my first review to a more recent tasting. It seemed that it gained a complexity that I didn't notice when I first opened the bottle. I like much better. Interestingly, if you use the search function of this app for the highest rated Scottish single malt in the $25-50 range, OP 12 comes in first with a very respectable 95 professional rating.
This is a re-review of Old Pulteney 12. I noticed that this malt grew on me, and after my first review was not very favorable, I felt it was about time to start from scratch and give it another go!