Another month, another OP – this makes me happy. On offer – a refill ex-bourbon hogshead that’s been maturing since 2007. View on SMWS
Nose: Buttered toast and split vanilla pods express this whisky’s ex-bourbon origins whilst inviting creamy toffee and salted caramel is mineralised by beach pebbles, slate and hewn granite. Reduction introduces fabric with hessian cloth and cotton sheets whilst expressive salinity continues to run throughout.
Taste: The arrival delivers spent coffee grounds, toffee, vanilla cream and plenty of maritime liveliness – limestone, rock pools, fresh sea breeze and an abundance of salinity. The development moves into freshly baked bread, pokey rye spices and engine oils. With water – softer, with peanut brittle and cinema popcorn all dusted in sea salt.
Finish: Medium with well-judged oak bitterness and emerging citric tartness.
When approaching Old Pulteney I’m always looking for coastal and maritime character – this has it in spades balancing the distillery’s spirit style with an excellent refill cask that lends just the right amount of oak influence. Super coastal, super salty and deliciously balanced. Totally yum and The Dramble's pick of this month.
Score: 87/100