Old Pulteney 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Reportedly one of the better Pulteneys of recent times, with some tasters describing it as a new favourite that's as good as - or even better - than the long lost 17 year old. Having been aged in both x-Bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry-seasoned Spanish oak casks, you can expect a nicely balanced, slightly sweet, fruity Highlander with a little Christmas cake richness. The colour is spectacular! Normally exclusive to Travel Retail, there are no guarantees we'll be able to source this again. 46% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... There, a proper strength and some high hopes. Colour: gold. Nose: wait, this is something else. Green cigars, as they have in Indonesia, patchouli and mothballs, mushrooms and mosses, lamp oil and bone marrow, tincture of iodine and creosote, watermelon skin, fumes, plaster, sorrel… It’s pretty unconventional and full of character, I have to say I’m really fond of this unusual nose. Forgot to mention a little mustard and manzanilla. I agree, even better news. Mouth: seriously? Caraway and aniseed upfront? Then maize flour and miso? There is a fermentary side to this one, some sake-like notes, not really easy to enjoy, but there’s also a citrusy-hoppy development that just works. The good news is that it’s the latter that wins it. A funny, rather cinematic dram. Finish: long, greener, spicier. Bitterer herbs, leaves, peppers… Comments: good fun to be had with this one, it’s just that its rather a fighter and that you’ll need a few months to empty a bottle. Unless it’s the only bottle you own, naturally. Now I like it that they would go towards character and individuality, and not towards… stupid vanilla. Very good, Inver House. 87 points - whiskyfun.com