Tasting Old Pulteney 40 year old–Oldest OB yet

if you recall I featured this new release of OP a few weeks ago on one of the weekend whisky news. Just a small reminder (if you have not read that, or need a refresher)  : This is the Oldest OB Old Pulteney to have been released until this date, consisting of 3 Spanish ex-sherry hogsheads and one American oak ex-bourbon barrel. The casks yielded 493 bottles of whisky at a natural strength of 51.3% ABV , and the bottle is priced at a whopping £1,490. It’s clearly not a bottle that most will buy, and i fear a lot of collectors have already bought one without an intent of enjoying it. I was really thrilled to have received a wee sample of this one (thank you guys over at Inver House). As most 40-year-old OBs , who tend to be delicious and well crafted, this one is also, a real stunner. let’s dram then:

Old Pulteney 40 yo , 51.3% ABV  , 493 btl , £1,490

Nose: Old wooden furniture lacquer , with some fruit and sugared peel of red grapefruit. Chocolate coated citrus candied fruit. Spices and gentle cinnamon and clove. Hint of apple peel, and maybe a drop of pear juice. The slightest hint of brine, but almost unnoticeable.

Palate: Spicy. Cherries. Grapefruit. Apple. Dark chocolate Bon bons. Vanilla. Old oak chests.  Seasoned with wood spice : cinnamon. Nutmeg. Very vibrant and kicking for a 40 year old with lots of oomph. Exquisite.

Finish : Long. Spicy. Chocolate covered orange peel candy. Rum soaked raisins and nuts.

This is lovely stuff. And at the prime of its strength, one of the better drams I’ve tasted recently, at that age, it’s clearly at the level of HP 40, or Farclas 40, and at that prime strength, it’s just lovely.I discussed this one with a twitter whisky friend of mine, and he noted that OP ages very well, and i can not agree more.Splendid stuff. If you can afford one (without selling an organ), get it. Otherwise, opt for a wee dram. Maybe Master of Malt will be able to do so…

Score: 93/100

official sample provided by Inverhouse distillers.