Review #156 Gordon and MacPhail Pulteney 15yr Cask Strength: Scotch

Score: 9.3 / 10

Distillery: Gordon and MacPhail Bottlers / Pulteney Distillery

Type: Highland Scotch Whisky

Gordon & MacPhail is known for its expertise in maturing and bottling single malt Scotch whiskies. They have been involved in the whisky industry for over a century and have established strong relationships with many Scottish distilleries. They source casks of whisky from various distilleries, mature them in their own warehouses, and then release them as single malt expressions under their own label. One of the notable aspects of Gordon & MacPhail is their commitment to aging and maturing whiskies for an extended period.

Pulteney Distillery is known for its traditional production methods and craftsmanship. The whisky produced at Pulteney is often described as having a maritime character, influenced by the distillery's coastal location. It is recognized for its rich and complex flavors, with notes of honey, citrus, salt, and a hint of brine

Whiskey Review:

Nose: Robust red apple, grape hard candies (grape Jolly Rancher?), salted caramel taffy, milk chocolate, brine, figs, spiced wood and boozy whipped cream. Once the nose has opened up a bit there's a fresh summer breeze note accompanied by seaweed.

Palate: Huge pepper spiced red apple hits the tongue and immediately turns effervescent ramping up a fiery spice. This is where an explosion of brine occurs bring forth layers of fruit showcasing apples, oranges, banana, and a tinge of tart pineapple. Once the palate acclimates to the proof the spice tends to ramp up more towards the backend and a beautiful chocolate banana blooms in the middle of the drinking experience. More fruits dance around the palate under an intense spice all complimented by salty and sweet undertones throughout. Strange comparison here but the chocolate banana reminds me a lot of Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Barrel Proof expressions (not your standard JD) which generally tend to pack big heat and potent chocolate banana. Upon further sips on the backend, I find a crackling spiced vanilla that mixes with a light almost fat free/artificial chocolate ice cream.

Finish: Lightly tannic and moderate in duration. Milk chocolate and red hot candies intermingle for a while. On another sip the finish transforms more into cacao and dark chocolate which lingers with a light oak. Dry cinnamon pops up on the sides of the mouth as other flavors fade.

Score: 9.3

Scale:

S+ Sensational - The Pinnacle (9.5+)

A - AXEceptional (astounding) (9-9.5)

B - bravo (step aBove average) (8-8.9)

C - competent (7-7.9)

D - disappointing (6-6.9)

F - flush it down the toilet (fail) (5.9 below)

Notes: Availability? Uncommon - You'll probably have to get this online. this particular bottle was found on finedrams.com