Dreaming-of-Islay
Old Pulteney 17 Year
Single Malt — HIghlands, Scotland
Reviewed
August 6, 2017 (edited September 3, 2019)
While a lot of Highland distilleries could be mistaken for one another, there is something quite distinct about this one. I immediately noticed a pretty distinct sherry note when I first poured it. If there's a region I'd imagine when drinking this scotch, it's Ko Sumai -- both in scent and taste, I detect a tropical fruit sweetness, Chinese plums, coconut, lemongrass, and a floral penumbra. The palate also has a fresh wood aspect to it, is a bit tannic (I get that signature waxy feeling on my front teeth with a sip of water after this dram), and a saltwater brininess that is another Old Pulteney signature. The finish is warming and has some of the smokier, chocolate-like notes that sherry finishing sometimes adds, while still layering in those tart and exotic tropical fruit notes. This is a high-end scotch, though I'm sad to hear that the distillery is discontinuing this expression and the 21-year old version due to lack of stocks. I can't think of anything quite like it. I must find the 21-year old before it's gone as well!
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