Old Pulteney 1997 Ambassador's Single Cask

Old Pulteney 1997 Ambassador's Single Cask, 17 YO, 53,4 %

Today I am reviewing a release exclusive to Sweden. It is the Old Pulteney 1997 Ambassador's Single Cask. The backstory is as follows. The Swedish whisky magazine Allt om Whisky each year selects two of it's readers for a scholarship where they get to go to a (Scottish) distillery and work there for a week. Their main task during their stay is to end up selecting a cask to be released in Sweden a few months later.

For 2015 Swedish whisky bloggers David Tjeder and  Frida Birkehede won the scholarships, and they ended up selecting this very whisky. It is bottled at cask strength, and was matured in a 1st fill bourbon barrel (cask #1085). The total outturn was 260 bottles.

The Old Pulteney 1997 Ambassador's Single Cask was released in Sweden on October 1 this year, and is still available to buy at SEK 1299 (8565601).

Nose (23/25): Very nice and almost suspiciously approachable nose. Is this a siren calling or is it a dram of whisky? Lovely, sweet bourbon notes, vanilla and mild fruits (honey melon and lemon). It has a light maritime touch - think sea spray, salt, sand and seaweed in the distance. A touch of spices perhaps. Clean.

Taste (23/25): Full and rich mouthfeel. Wonderful. Again sweet, a bit fruity (citrus) and with a delicate maritime touch. Vanilla and caramel with a pinch of white pepper.

Finish (22/25): Steady as she goes, really. Not much in the way of further development, but it stays with you for quite a while, and it is quite pleasant company right 'till the end.

Balance (23/25): Reminds me quite a bit of the Old Pulteney 17 YO, which I find to be very good.

Score (91/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas