I’ve rarely seen Pulteney offered up at less than 8 year of age – an indeed, most IBs tend to fall into the 10+ realm. So, this should be an interesting experience. Matured in a 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel and clocking in at 59.6% ABV.
Nose: Ingredients forward. Porridge, oatmeal and rice pudding with hillside flowers, granite cliff faces. Cream custard, heather honey and seashells join a selection of yeasty buns. Dilution brings forward the coastalness further with chiselled rock faces, chalk and sandy beaches.
Taste: Similar story. Doughs, pastries and cereals lead, whilst steely minerality and seawater develop into golden syrup, butter biscuit (base), graham crackers and apple preserved with lemon juice. A greasy texture runs throughout – axle lubricant. Water reveals salinity alongside industrial copper piping and a bowl of warmed Ready Brek.
Finish: Medium and quite cereal – tempered by sustained steeliness.
This Pulteney is still very much on its journey and whilst it offers and enjoyable dip into the inherent character of its make, I can’t help but think that it’s been disgorged just a bit too soon. Pleasant, but primordial.