Old Pulteney 1974 Gordon & MacPhail Rare Highland Single Malt 43% 1974

Professional reviews

Whisky Notes (89)

Nose: starts coastal and slightly sour, but folds open nicely and displays everything a good sherry cask should have. Figs, leather, polished oak… with an above average amount of mint and coastal notes (wet limestone, sea breeze). Lovely notes of tropical fruits in the background (papaya, kumquat). Excellent. Mouth: still some lovely fruity notes (oranges, tangerine) and fruit tea with an oaky sourness. Interesting balance of sweet & sour (I love Madeira). The oak is loud although it’s not excessively dry. Fades on soft herbs, liquorice and a hint of mustard seed and salty Manzanilla sherry. Finish: medium long, with Seville oranges and the same oaky touches.

I’ve never had such an old Pulteney, but this was a really interesting combination of salt and sherry. Especially for nosing.

BOW (90)

TASTING NOTE by G&M;

Colour: Dark amber.

WITHOUT WATER:

Nose: Sherry notes with a defined burst of dates and figs.

Palate: An initial burst of pepper, with subtle hints of ripe exotic fruits

emerging.

WITH WATER:

Nose: Sweeter notes, some sherry influences with a hint of perfume. Nutty

with a fruitcake note.

Palate: Fruity with a rounded sweetness, hints of Sherry wood. Some delicate

tobacco elements linger with an earthy edge.

Body: Rich.

Finish: Rich and fruity.

Cask Type(s): Refill Sherry casks.

Whisky Style: Robust with some complex influences, yet smooth.