Old Pulteney 23 yo 'Sherry' (43%, OB, sherry casks, +/-2011)
Colour: pale gold (unexpectedly pale). Nose: this one goes one step
further, as it’s got everything that the bourbon already had, plus notes
of red berries (raspberries and blackberries) and more honey. Also
orange blossom water and touches of rosewater. A little fresh butter.
Mouth: same comments. More body, a bolder middle and more complexity. A
big saltiness again, blood oranges, green cardamom, white and milk
chocolates, raspberry sweets, cranberry juice and touches of peat.
Finish: medium long, even more on oranges. Salt and pepper in the
aftertaste, then even ripe strawberries. Comments: quite superb.
Words of Whisky (87)
:
Complexity, balance, this has it all. It does lack a little richness and oomph. I bet this would be a personal favourite had it been bottled at a higher strength.
Nose
Plenty of vanilla and some subtle apple cider, as well as peach and coconut shavings. Some red berries and burlap too, as well as marzipan and oranges. It has something floral as well.
Taste
The sherry influence is clear, but there's still much room for Pulteney to shine. Gentle cherries, as well as leather and milk chocolate. Quite salty, with a touch of white pepper and some pomelo.
Finish
A slight bitterness, followed by fruit and smoked salmon. Medium in length.
