Old Pulteney, 21-Year-Old (Scotland) 
The 21-year-old expression of Od Pulteney, distilled in Scotland’s northernmost mainland distillery, was awarded the supreme accolade of ‘World Whisky of the Year’ in controversial writer Jim Murray’s 2012 Whisky Bible, which prompted us to go in search of a dram to remind ourselves how good it is. And while Jim isn’t always right (though he would probably contest that point!), in this instance his judgement is surely bang on.
The nose is sweet with a spicy, briny edge, featuring vanilla, butterscotch and freshly-cooked pastry, along with green apples, lemon curd and a sprinkling of sea salt. Medium-bodied, with vanilla, honey and cereal notes mirroring the nose, plus chocolate ginger and a follow-through of subtle saltiness. The lengthy finish features vanilla, oak spices and lemon.
46.0% ABV, 70cl, £85.00, specialist whisky merchants.  |  |
