Old Pulteney Noss Head

Old Pulteney Noss Head, NAS, 46 %

The Old Pulteney Noss Head is part of a travel retail lighthouse series released back in 2013. I have previously reviewed the Old Pulteney Duncansby Head and the Old Pulteney Pentland Skerries. The Noss Head has been matured in American oak ex-bourbon casks, and it has no age statement.

You can get this whisky at some online retails as well, and not just on Travel retail. One place to get it is here at around GBP 46 (for a full litre that is).

Nose (21/25): Soft, salty and malty. A touch of white pepper sprinkled on ripe summer fruits. It has some of the typical Old Pulteney maritime note, but it is a but subdued on the nose. We'll see when we get to the palate.

Taste (19/25): Peppery and dry-ish. A fair amout of oak influence - oaky spices and just plain woodiness.

Finish (21/25): The sweetness and the fruits come through after a bit, but the finish is not very long. Again we have ripe apples and pears. We also have vanilla, and ginger flavoured wet sawdust - which actually works quite well.

Balance (20/25): Nicely balanced, but I wish it wasn't this low key. It sort of needs to raise its head and speak up for itself.

Score (81/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas