Old Pulteney Pentland Skerries

Old Pulteney Pentland Skerries, NAS, 46 %

In August 2013 Old Pulteney launched a new Travel retail series called The Lighthouse Collection. The series consists of three whiskies all named after lighthouses.

I have now tried the Old Pulteney Pentland Skerries, named after two lighthouses built back in 1794. The whisky is without an age statement (NAS), and has been matured in unspecified sherry casks, but I would guess these are Oloroso sherry casks.

You can buy this whisky at airports in the UK and other parts of Europe, and you also find it online at around GBP 67.

Nose (22/25): Well-balanced and soft sherry notes. Dark fruits, raisins, chocolate and oranges.

Taste (21/25): Sweet, almost like honey at first, with some caramel notes. Sherry influence here as well, but the Old Pulteney maritime character shines through to some degree. There is a hint of sea salt, and salty sea breeze.

Finish (21/25): Surprisingly long finish. Stays sweet, fruity and slightly salty all the way. The chocolate from the nose makes a welcome return just as it settles.

Balance (21/25): A lovely sherried Old Pulteney. I do not think I have ever tried a whisky from this distillery before which was only matured in sherry casks. It works quite well, although it hides some of the distillery character.

Score (85/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas