The third expression in the Lighthouse NAS OP series While the previous expressions (see the other two reviewed here and here). While the other two were kind of young, this is supposed to be the eldest of the three. Pentland Skerries is named after two lighthouse towers of the same name located at the eastern entrance to the Pentland Firth. The whisky was matured in 100% Spanish ex-sherry butts and is presented in its natural colour at 46%.
Old Pulteney Pentland Skerries , 46%, NAS , £54.99 (Travel Retail)
Nose: Yep. It’s big sherry style. Nutty, and a bit mossy, with some candyfloss sweetness going on, and yes sulphur (get this Mr Murray!) , very sweet, with spiced wine.
Palate: Sweet and salty interplay which is rather nice, with some nuts and almonds, mulled wine, sugar, and cinnamon heat, and hints of bubble-gum and toffee this is much nicer than the previous two expressions.
Finish : Sweet, hot, with some hot rubber and cinnamon on top, kirsch and cherries. Not as clean, but nice enough.
This is the best of all 3, yet it feels young, and price wise, it’s still quite expensive at £54.99 . and 55 quid buys you some lovely drams (even the 17 yo OP, which is a terrific dram at a few quid less). Not quite sure what OP tried to do with this NAS series, but Frankly, I think this line does no justice to the brand. The core OP range is solid and well priced, and is much nicer than those three. I wonder how they are selling at the duty free shops. Colourful indeed, yet not the best Bang for your buck. Not quite.
score: 81/100
Official sample provided by Old Pulteney
Just tasted this. As a WK499 fan (1.edition – without water) this is dissapointing. I would say 77 point
77 and 81 are close… it’s all subjective. but it’s a good dram, nothing exceptional