Sure, I’ve reviewed Old Pulteney 17 Years before, but that was an old bottling, almost seven years ago. An eternity if you keep in mind that Pulteney started releasing single malts less than 20 years ago.
The 17 Year Old predominantly features ex-bourbon maturation, with the addition of spirit matured in Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez casks.
Throughout the years Old Pulteney 17 Years won numerous awards but there’s another good reason for reviewing it again. The 21 Years is now officially discontinued and the 17 Years will suffer the same fate early 2018. That’s one good-value malt less on the shelves and there are no plans for direct replacements.
Old Pulteney 17 yo (46%, OB 2017)
Nose: fresh and profoundly fruity, mainly crisp green apples, tart lemon and melons. Soft coastal notes (brine, a little salted butter). Hints of ginger and a faint waxy note. Almonds and vanilla.
Mouth: again a very bright fruitiness (apples, kiwi, peach), light grassy notes and vanilla that hint towards ex-bourbon casks. A little honey and candied lemon peel. A pinch of pepper and a malty sweetness in the background. Hints of nuts.
Finish: medium long, more lemons and green fruits, as well as some floral oaky notes.
Same feeling as in 2011: it’s mostly the bourbon wood talking, but the combination of tart fruits, wax, vanilla and light coastal notes makes this worth having in your collection. It’s already hard to find and most shops are increasing their price (to € 100+). Cheapest you’ll find is around € 85, until stocks last…