Old Pulteney 1990 / 23yo Vintage – 46% ABV

Info: The whisky was matured in American ex-bourbon and Spanish ex-sherry casks which previously held heavily peated whisky, resulting in a lightly peated Old Pulteney. Non-chill filtered. Around 5,400 bottles.

Colour: Polished amber.

Nose: The nose is escaping from the glass before I’ve even properly got to it! It’s malty, earthy, and there’s a backnote of smoky peat. It’s sweet and tempting, getting sweeter as time goes on with some green apple and honey notes.

Palate: It’s quite thick on the palate, sweetness comes straight at you along with a nice citrus which is then backed up by the fruitiness of the sherry casks. Underlining everything is the gentle smokiness of the casks former resident (whoever that was, someone from Islay no doubt). There’s a honey tone throughout and a spice that slowly builds.

Finish: A woody hessian note goes hand in hand with the light smokiness before the sweeter malt greets you with a warm lingering finish on your chest. At the end you’re left with the coastal nature (i.e. saltiness) of Old Pulteney on your palate reminding you of where this dram came from.

Water: Water brings out a slight creamy caramel note, like a Werther’s Original, careful not to add too much though, it thins it out quite quickly, however it still remains quite waxy.

Thoughts: Good whisky! The mix of casks (citrussy fruit cake) works hand in hand well with the hints of smoke and peat. A nice slight diversion to the main Old Pulteney range.

Available: Master of Malt – £118.75 (you can also grab 3cl samples from them!) or The Green Welly Stop – £114.

Thanks to Old Pulteney for the sample.