The pinnacle (for now) of the reworked core range from Old Pulteney is the Old Pulteney 18 Year Old. It is predominantly matured in second-fill bourbon casks wiith a finish in first-fill Oloroso sherry butts.
Old Pulteney 18 yo
(46%, OB 2018)
Old Pulteney 18 yoNose: starts leathery and coastal with rather big notes of buttery dough and baked apples. A slight rubbery touch as well, but this disappears with time. Candied orange peel. On the darker side we find cinnamon, toffee and light chocolate.
Mouth: creamy, with sweet citrus, honey and malty notes. The dry oaky side grows stronger, bringing clove, leather and salty notes.
Finish: medium, on spicy notes, toffee, charred notes and green apple.
Not bad at all, but I can’t help going back to the Old Pulteney 15 Years as my favourite (as well as the more characteristic) expression. Both are below the old 17 Years in my book and with the increased price I expected a bit more. Available from The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt among others.
Score: 84/100