Tasting notes·Pulteney

Old Pulteney 12 Years (2023)

The Old Pulteney 12 years is a single malt whisky from the Scottish Highlands, more precisely from the Pulteney Distillery in the coastal town of Wick. With a maturation period of 12 years and an alcohol content of 40% vol., it is considered an accessible classic that is particularly interesting for whisky newcomers.

The panel

Marcel
70
Sascha
70

Mean 70.0 · spread 0

Value for money 4/5

Distillery
Pulteney
Type
Single Malt
Region
Highlands
Country
Scotland
Age
12 years
Strength
40% ABV
Character
spicy

Tasting

Nose

At first sniff, pleasant aromas of sweet honey and vanilla rise to the nose, accompanied by fresh citrus notes such as lemon and lime. A hint of green apples and a subtle salty breeze are reminiscent of the proximity to the sea and give the whisky its characteristic maritime fragrance.

Palate

The Old Pulteney 12 years is soft and harmonious on the palate. The sweet notes of caramel and vanilla are complemented by a light spiciness and a subtle saltiness reminiscent of a fresh sea breeze. Fruity hints of green apples and citrus fruits provide a pleasant freshness, while a subtle oak note lends depth to the whole.

Finish

The finish is medium-long and dry, with a pleasant spiciness and a slight salty note that emphasises the maritime character of the whisky.

Verdicts

Marcel

An uncomplicated dram that brings joy to the palate with its gentle sweetness and salty sea breeze, without trying to show off. Perfect for a cozy evening by the fireplace, but if you're looking for real adventure, you'll come up short here.

Sascha

The Old Pulteney 12 impresses with a balanced blend of sweet vanilla and caramel notes paired with a delicate salty spice, yet it remains rather unremarkable and lacks complexity in flavor. It’s a solid choice for beginners, but seasoned connoisseurs will likely miss more structure and lasting depth.

What it is worth

We do not yet hold bottle-level auction results — that sits behind Whisky Hunter’s authenticated feed. What follows is the market for Pulteney as a whole, which sets the weather for this bottling without pricing it.

£1£10£100£1k£10k2005200820112014201720202023

Latest mean bid £113 across 77 lots · 2024-08

Source

Tasting note and scores by WHISKY:EDITION — tasted by Marcel and Sascha, published 2025-08-19.