Old Pulteney 25 Year Old, the premium addition to the core range which was introduced in 2017, had been retracted in 2018 as part of the redesign of the whole portfolio, and re-introduced this summer.
It is a combination of second-fill ex-bourbon casks and first-fill Spanish oak butts which previously held Oloroso wine according to the press release. They seem reluctant to use the term sherry on all of their new packaging, so they’re probably using similar (but much cheaper) wines from another denomination of origin, like Huelva or Montilla, and/or casks that have been seasoned in Scotland instead of Spain. Cutting corners here and there, while at the same time increasing the retail prices.
Old Pulteney 25 yo
(46%, OB 2019)
Nose: lovely peaches, (blood) oranges and vanilla cake. A faint waxiness and honey. Light tropical touches as well (mango). Yellow flowers. Cocoa powder in the distance.
Mouth: again quite vibrant but slightly thin, with fruity notes (pineapple, peaches, lime), oak spice (ginger and pepper) and a clear minty side. Creamy vanilla. Nutty notes, toffee and dark chocolate in the background.
An attractive composition, I think it’s safe to say the recipe and quality of this Old Pulteney are on the same level as before. Available from The Whisky Exchange or Tyndrum Whisky for instance.
Score: 88/100