Old Pulteney 35 Year Old is a brand-new addition to the core range. It sits in between the 30 Year Old and the wonderful 40 Year Old. The spirit has been matured in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks selected by distillery manager Malcolm Waring.
Old Pulteney presents itself as the ‘genuine maritime malt’ so it comes as no surprise that the 35 yo is housed in a wooden box with a porthole.
Old Pulteney 35 yo
(42,5%, OB 2014, 2700 btl.)
Nose: a gentle starter, pleasantly old-style, taking off on oily notes and waxed papers. A bit of mint and exotic spices. The it moves towards fruity notes (tangerines, whitecurrants, hints of pineapple). Also echoes of vanilla cake and floral honey, with some leathery undertones. Soft and subtle, you shouldn’t rush this one.
Mouth: quite fruity, mainly on oranges (fresh and marmalade) and raisins. Even more leathery notes now. Hints of old wood, mint and eucalyptus. After a while almonds and walnuts, dipped in chocolate. Nutmeg and a subtle coastal edge.
Finish: quite long, rather on the dry side now, with oak spices and a few tannins, although the juicy raisins are still present as well.
An excellent dram again. I prefer the even more exotic fruitiness of the 40yo but this is playing in the same league. Around € 650 – a lot of money but some other distilleries ask more for their 30yo.
Score: 90/100