DigitalArc
Old Pulteney 12 Year
Single Malt — Highlands, Scotland
Reviewed
September 7, 2020 (edited October 14, 2020)
Last night, I fell asleep on the couch with the TV on. An advert for the new "Bill & Ted Face the Music" film was broadcasting, and my last conscious thought was, 'I'm jealous.' Then I slipped into placid dreams, plied on by a healthy dose of Old Pulteney 12.
In my dreams, a poem was being read by a Scotsman - his accent turning the lines into sing-song lyrics in a Gaelic-inflected cadence, flowing like a babbling brook in a glen.
(Full disclosure: this is the height of pretentious conceit for me to actually torment my fellow reviewers and readers with rubbish poetry. I haven't written so, since at least high school. And that must tell where my ego is.... wait, that's the bell!)
I live in a modern world, in the USA.
A populous and progressive state,
both dense and diverse, a metropolitan place.
One in a mass, I live on the bedrock of the past.
That is what I went through,
that is how I came to be.
And that may yet tell where I'll lay - in peace.
Old Pulteney in spirit calls to me, it's new skin in old ceremony.
I outwardly hope this does not disappoint...
but I could be in the minority here, despite being adroit.
On the palate, burst of citrus sweet.
Apples and honey make for added treats.
Followed by vanilla, shortbread, sultanas
Successive tipples I follow like Ché in Havana.
The texture is smooth very much like a vermouth.
And of orange peel, I've never dealed
to woo or entreat.
I smacked my mouth to get it done,
notwithstanding the look at my feet.
Mother it be, from it she'll never be free.
I straight adore you like a play or grand parody.
Love like scotch can be such a mystery,
from that which I'll drink forth like a black tea.
Unfortunately, for me (and maybe you dear reader after suffering through that) I did not wake up as Bill, or Ted - but there was plenty of Old Pulteney instead.
37.0
USD
per
Bottle
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@Anthology ah, the OP 21. One of Murray’s best, and a worthwhile quest
@CKarmios Delay in completing OP12 quest also caused by more pressing “matters”. Have an OP21 (G&M) that’s been sitting on my wishlist. Time to move it up to collection list. Plus eyeing a few 40+ year grain whiskeys, a ghost distillery (Caperdonich), and few others that currently take precedence over the OP12. Priorities, priorities.
@CKarmios The quest rages on, albeit approaching a crescendo in the very near future as I happened upon what appeared to be a last bottle at a not oft-visited local retailer last weekend but my primal need for bargain-shopping superseded my impulse for instance gratification to purchase there and then. I know of another local retailer that has several bottles of the OP12 on hand but not sure if it’s the old, or the old old. Won’t be able to tell until I physically visit the store, which is about an hour drive away from me. I shall have news by next wknd, tis my promise. The irony is the price difference is probably less than the cost of the gas to get there. It’s just the principle of it. Sometimes my process defies logic. I know this. C’est la vie!
Entertaining review. Good job outta’ you!
@Anthology Mission accomplished, Old Old acquired. How dost thou faired, your own mission at mw&s perchance?
@CKarmios While I am righteously elated at this very joyous occasion of a fortuitous find, I pray thee dost not acquire the last bottle [at mw&s] thus so rightfully suggested to me by @DigitalArc. Such mischief indeed if so but nay would I harbor a grudge upon thee. Enjoy the fruits of thy labor my friend.
@DigitalArc Dead Poets Society? I think your opus deserves paraphrasing Whitman just this once, 'O Captain! my Captain! our whisk[e]y trip is ne'er done, Bottles have weather’d every rack, the prize we sought forever won.' @Anthology I shall now return to my old Old Pulteney 12, fortuitously found and hastily purchased just the yesterday!
@jonwilkinson7309 First the Celtics, then the Patriots. 'Lovecraft Country', now this. You New Englanders never give us a fair shake!
@DigitalArc. I never got around to the HP 15. Interesting comparison. I've seen a few bottles still kicking around - time to track one down!
@Anthology It's the old release at 43% abv. And it is 'old' - the cork crumbled a bit when first opened. Found it at MW&S. They might still have a bottle. Call them if you're interested. They always give me an answer re: inventory for all their stores. @CKarmios I haven't had the new release of OP12. But I received a sample of the OP15 from @jonwilkinson7309 and it was splendid. Like a bit richer and saltier HP12. In the review, I mused that it might be the equivalent of the discontinued HP15, and nobody so far has disagreed.
@Anthology @DigitalArc to quote “Old Pulteney in spirit calls to me, it's new skin in old ceremony. “. I’ve seen SbS reviews downgrading the new release relative to the old one - I’ve yet to try it, but they say the new release is a lighter whisky, not as flavourful or full, finish is shorter, etc.
@DigitalArc Btw, was your review on the old or new [bottle] OP12?
@jonwilkinson7309 Yeah, I'll need this bottle of OP12 to get through that movie 😁
@CKarmios and @Anthology We're becoming a regular 'Dead Poets Society'!
@Jan-Case We can always triumph in our dreams...
Tremendous!!!
Bravo, bravo indeed! 🔥🔥🔥 And @CKarmios whaaat? I see you. No words.
Nice ode :-)
Neither Bill nor Ted you may be But in all sincerity I must tell thee You’ve done well by the Pulteney’s deed ‘Tis no mean feat A story such as this Of drams, of nose and palate bold Of dreams of Bill and Ted’s song Adroitly, succinctly yet floridly told And from a good night’s dream Awake and arise good sir For yet another day beckons thee To meet with paper and ink, joy and glee.
That was triumphant and excellent.