Old Pulteney was founded in 1826 by James Henderson and names after Sir William Pulteney. Currently owned by Inver House Distillers, which is itself a subsidiary of international beverage company ThaiBev. As such, Old Pulteney is under the same umbrella as the Balblair, Balmenach, Knockdhu and Speyburn distilleries. The distillery has the capacity to produce up to a million liters of spirit a year and almost all of that seems to go into their single malts, a majority of which are still age statements today. They had a foray into more No Age Statement (NAS) offerings years ago that did not make the impact they hoped, so the brand relaunched with age statements again a priority. The Old Pulteney 15 is double matured, though no further details are given to indicate if it is a true blending of fully-matured single malts or more a case of finishing without calling it such.
Distillery: Pulteney
Region: Highland
Age: 15 years
Strength: 46%
Price: $79.99
Maturation: Second-fill American oak ex-bourbon and first-fill Spanish oak casks.
Location: Wick
Nose: Honey, floral, grass, molasses
Palate: Caramel, molasses, honey, grain
Finish: Brine, tannic, grass
Comments: Relative availability of the 12 and 18 year statements mean this makes for an easy, relatively affordable scotch vertical.
Adam – The nose of the Old Pulteney 15 is more different than I’d expect. A rich nose of molasses that is lightened with a potpourri undercurrent and hay. A high summer kingdom of the senses, right here. Letting it sit in your glass will allow each of these to shine over time. The palate is a layered experience of bridled honey and caramel, coupled with a light tinge that is markedly less than in that seen in younger offerings but still leaves your tongue with a little tingle at the end, perhaps signaling it is time for another sip. The finish itself is a softer bit of brine and wood, not the most memorable chapter in the overall experience. Taken together, this feels a balanced scotch that tells a continuous story through nose, palate and finish, complex without negating any approachability. A real sweet spot on all levels.
Henry – Rich nose of vanilla, dark honey, and spices. Palate goes ‘boom’ with caramelized sugar and layers of oak, like an aged Rhum Agricole. The tannic astringency of the 12 year is still present, but tempered by the layers of sweetness which keep on giving.
Ben – The Old Pulteney 15 is a carnival in my mouth. There’s a lot happening. It does dry up at the end but there’s a spice on the tip of the tongue that leaves you wanting more. Like a fresh baked bagel, with the sweetness to it and breadiness to it. A fresh New York bagel, on the second nose. I can almost imagine the chewiness of it.
Palate goes ‘boom’ with caramelized sugar and layers of oak, like an aged Rhum Agricole.
Bill – The astringency is controlled. I really want a pipe with this. A little water smooths out the astringency a little. The sweet floral notes really pop out now.
Mike – The grass has smoothed out but the finish is longer. The astringency isn’t harsh.
Evelyn – The Old Pulteney 15 is more balanced. It tastes in common with a good aged rum, the kind with sugar cane.
Sam – Rum-soaked golden raisin on the palate. I’d love a good, smooth cigar with this.
Kim – The Old Pulteney 15 is quite an improvement from the 12 year. Bold flavors on the palate linger on the tongue and leaves you wanting more.
