Old Pulteney 12 Year Old
Highland Benchmark
0 788
Review by @SpicyMcHaggis
- Nose~
- Taste~
- Finish~
- Balance~
- Overall88
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Distribution of ratings for this:
- Brand: Old Pulteney
- Type: Scotch
- Region: Highland
- ABV: 40%
This malt is often described as an ideal beginners whisky, and while true, I think that sells this fine drop somewhat short. For me, this is a true Highland benchmark. It is the perfect combination of land, air and sea (it will make sense when you taste it!)
Colour: Light Gold (does it matter??)
Nose: Definite sherry presence. Barley sugar sweetness and a whiff of salt/brine.
Taste: Sherry again, but muted. It has a sherbet like fizz to it that tingles the tongue. Candied sweetness and a definite salty hint. A wee hint of pepperiness that one would expect from a Highlander, but not too much.
Finish: There's that saltiness again! It doesn't dominate by any stretch, but it's unmissable. There's still that sherry richness, but it fades fairly quickly. Drunk neat, the sensation in the mouth is drying; like sucking on a dry stone. The mouth really waters after finishing this one, which makes you just want more.
Overall, this is a real beauty. Well balanced, with a good mix of richness and maritime character. I am a bit biased as this is one of my favourite malts, so the score is on the generous side, but what the heck, I can't get enough.
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Great review of a wonderful whisky.I think when people say it is a good whisky for beginners, what they are really saying is that it is just a damn good dram that will make you want to learn more about whisky and not put you off. How many of us would be whisky enthusiasts if the very first one we ever tried was an Ardbeg? The number of times I've spent double what this costs on a whisky not half as good I've lost count of!