Old Pulteney 17 Year Old Single Malt Scotch

Old Pulteney 17 Year Old Single Malt Scotch: A couple of weeks ago I posted tasting notes on Old Pulteney’s Martime Malt that I simply professed was a solid dram. It is the foundation of Old Pulteney and always will be. However, this 17-year-old Scotch that predominantly features ex-bourbon maturation, with the addition of spirit that has been wholly matured in Spanish wood ex-sherry casks, predominantly Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso. This adds a subtle depth and complexity to the whisky, making it a wonderfully balanced drop that is probably best suited to after-dinner.

On the nose: you’ll get an invitingly warm waft of sherry, madeira cake, demerara sugar, a touch of liquorice and a lovely suggestion of crème brûlée. These initial notes are nicely followed by vanilla, butterscotch, lemongrass and warming spices. There is also just the slightest hint of oats and zest. On the palate: you’ll get a lovely sweet taste of toffee, vanilla, sherry and almonds. That demerara sugar note also lingers on the palate, with just the slightest hint of sea salt. This is then followed by that same meaty, sulphur note seen in the 12yo, a few subtle spicy notes and oak. The finish: is medium to long, sweet toffee, with lingering salt and a hint of smoke.

The verdict: As mentioned at the beginning, if you read my tasting notes on the 12-year-old expression i tasted then you’ll know I referred to this Martime Malt as solid. However, 17yo is not your everyday dram, it is definitely more of an after-diner dram. It’s warm and inviting but also sweet and full-bodied with well-balanced notes that soothe the palate, with very little theatre. With an ABV of 46%, in my opinion there is no real need to add water, however, if you want to intensify those notes, just add a very small amount and watch it come alive!