Today – The Old Pulteney 1990. This one, just like the ones I posted yesterday and the day before, was the highlight whisky and the main reason for the Tweet Tasting event last November which due to some bad luck I couldn’t participate on time and I managed to taste it only this week.

The 1990 vintage is a limited edition of only 600 cases, matured in American ex-bourbon and Spanish ex-sherry casks which previously held heavily peated whisky. It’s nice to see more (highlands) distilleries experimenting with peated casks. Last year we also saw first peated releases from Tomatin (Cu Bocan) and Balblair (1990 cask), and as peat head all I have to say – don’t stop!

So how is OP 1990?

Old Pulteney 1990 (46%, peated cask, buy here for £120)

Nose: Hmm, peat-land, no mistake of that here. not overpowering, very clean and earthy without trace of smoke – very tamed and lovely, lots of lemon and citrus – truly a lovely combination as it works well together where they elevate the small to new high level. behind the wall of peat and lemon there’s the trademark Old Pulteney maritime impact – all meshing together and delivering a gently and harmonic nose. Excellent!

Palate: Peat smokiness with some ashes and BBQ smoke, marinated seared BBQ meat with lemon/citrus sauce. maritime saltiness.

Finish: Long, hot with lingering BBQ sauce, saltiness and honeyed sweet candies.

Conclusion: Remarkable and gorgeous whisky! Fantastic job by the OP crew on this one – the combination of peat and the OP classic character of maritime/lemon tandem works real well together here. It’s not a cheap bottle but worth getting one of the few still for sale.