Review by: Raygun

A single cask pick from K&L, ex-bourbon. I don’t have the greatest history with Old Pulteney. Nothing gets as many comments (such as “you idiot”) in my review scale as the score for Old Pulteney 12. I wondered if I had a bad bottle, because it really was not good. Except even the much-loved 17 wasn’t great for me. I put it down to one of those odd things where this particular distillery just doesn’t work with my palate for some reason. These things happen. Another single cask from Royal Mile Whiskies, was the first to change my mind. I actually liked that one. Let’s see how this one is. Reviewed from a sample. Rested about 10 minutes.

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Distillery: Old Pulteney

Bottler: Old Pulteney for K&L

Region/style: Highlands single malt Scotch

ABV: 55.2%

Age: 13 years. Distilled in 2004. Bottled in 2002. 

Cask type: Ex-bourbon

Color: 0.6 old gold. Natural color. Non-chill-filtered.

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Nose: Definitely living up to the nickname “maritime malt.” Lots of sea breeze here. Also apple, Juicy Fruit gum, caramel, and lemon curd.  

Palate: Much like the nose. Apples, lemon curd, and a distinct briny flavor. A fruity candy flavor I can’t pin down, not exactly Starburst or Skittles, but something like that. The apple really ramps up with water. Fresh apples and also in apple pie. 

Finish: Citrus again, lemon and a splash of grapefruit. Apple cider with salted caramel. Butter cookies. The tartness goes up a notch, but I like that. Tangy and salty. 

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Conclusion: Two for two on these single casks. I’m not sure why the 12 and 17 didn’t work for me. Maybe I don’t need to avoid Pulteney after all. I’m still a little wary of the core range, but these single casks worked for me. I’m curious about IBs as well; don’t think I’ve tried any. This is tasty. I haven’t always gotten a strong briny flavor from other expressions, but it definitely comes out in this one. 

Buy a bottle? I imagine it’s sold out by now, and I’m also nowhere near K&L.

Final Score: 82

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky. (Convalmore 36)
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category. (Bruichladdich Black Art 4.1)
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram. (Ledaig 13 Amontillado)
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff. (Tomatin 18)
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting. (Glen Scotia 15)
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better. (Aultmore 12)
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink. (Glenmorangie 10)
• 50-59: Save it for mixing. (Old Pulteney 12)
• 0-49: Blech. (Muirhead’s Silver Seal 16)