Old Pulteney 12 Shelf Review
Shelf Review
Designed to give you all the quick hit information you need when you’re standing in front of your local liquor store’s whisky shelf.
Located in north-eastern Scotland, Old Pulteney Distillery has been making whisky since 1826. During its initial period of production, the distillery was only accessible by sea, making its moniker “The Maritime Malt” seem appropriate. And the ocean theme continues to this day, with maritime iconography adorning many of their expressions and a distinctly sea influenced character woven throughout everything they make.
Today, we are going to dive into one of their core range – their 12 year expression that remains one of their most affordable and accessible. I recently picked up a mini 50ml bottle to try for a paltry $3. Matured for 12 years in ex-bourbon casks, today’s Old Pulteney 12 is bottled at 40% ABV. But this wasn’t always the case with older versions coming in at 43%. Somehow my mini bottle must have been sitting on the shelf a while because it still had its original 43% ABV statement – likely making this from an older batch (I think). But let’s dive in and see if it’s worth picking this one up!
Age: 12 Years Old
ABV: 43%
Cask: Ex-Bourbon
MSRP: $42
Distillery Name: Old Pulteney Distillery
Review Date: 4/15/24
Nose: Saltwater taffy, fresh cut flowers, pie crust, vanilla cream icing with a pinch of salt. Nothing too special but light and inviting.
Palate: Crème Brûlée, lemon meringue pie, hint of salted jerky, with a sweet front palate that transitions into savory. Mouthfeel clings to the tip of the tongue.
Finish: Short finish. Touch of ash, with salted pretzel, chocolate shavings, and graphite.
