A solid budget dram? | Old Pulteney 12 REVIEW

I'm got a single malt scotch whisky from the Old Pulteney distillery in the highlands today. This is their entry-level 12 year old. I'll taste it and give you my thoughts. Cheers!
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Scores:
0-75 - Crap
75-79 - For cocktails & people you don't like
80-82 - Not bad
83-85 - Getting good here
86-89 - Delicious
90-94 - Awesome
95-100 - Cowabunga Dudes
Music: freemusicarchi...

[@barrysmale8060]

I my opinion, you are the best whisky reviewer on KZbin. It helps when you have roughly the same taste as me. I've definitely bought a few bottles on your recommendation. Keep up the good work 👏

[@Gwhisky]

Very happy to hear thank. Appreciate the kind words, Barry! 🥃

[@ricardodelorenzo3954]

Price is good but man, I would be willing to pay more for 46% NCF

[@Gwhisky]

Amen! 🥃

[@RaduB.]

I've just tried it. 🙂 For some reason I had high expectations for this one and I am glad it didn't disappoint. It should have had more than 40% but I am encouraged to test their Huddard expression which comes at 46%. And a bit of peat could only add to its value!

[@ConcaCon]

I bought it 2 years ago, because people have said it's a worthwhile entry level dram. It is. At first I didn't know what to think of it, but it grew on me slowly. I do enjoy the salted butter and floral honey notes it has. Decent stuff. I've given it a flat 80 based on merit alone, but considering the price, I'd bump it to an 82. Also congrats on the milestone!

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks Concacon! And I think an 82 is fair. I do factor in budget with these scores. I know some people don't but it's a big part of the experience.

[@sunryse111]

I have the 15 yr old - and your video has reminded me that it's been a long time since I had a dram. So that's my plan for tonight - refresh my memory of this distillery. Cheers, Geoff!

[@Gwhisky]

That 15 gets a lot of hate because it's not as good as the old 17. I think that it's a good whisky in its own right. Hope you agree. Cheers Victor! 🥃

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

Congratulations on 5K! As for Old Pulteney 12, for me it's in no-man's land, meaning that it's too expensive at around $50 to be 40% & fully tainted. If it had some super unique characteristics I might be able overlook everything else, but it really doesn't, so it's a solid pass IMHO. The much less expensive Loch Lomond 12 would be my suggested alternative ✌️

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah at $50 I'd say it's a bit much. I get it for under $30 here and it's still not something I'm itching to come back to. But at the price I'm paying I'm not too hung up on the specs. Cheap burner whisky. Good for guests. 😉

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

@@Gwhisky wow, that's a serious price difference!

[@josephdevine8768]

Spot on review, Geoff. I agree that the 12 is lacking, but Old Pulteney has a unique profile that I really enjoy. I’ve been able to get a couple of Cask strength IBs that are really good. If I’m able, I think I’ll always have a young bourbon matured Old Pulteney IB on hand. Congratulations on reaching 5X!

[@Gwhisky]

Bourbon matured Pulteney is the way to go! Thanks for watching Joseph! 🥃

[@catnapgee5357]

5:32 In the last few years my tasticles have grown too! 🤣

[@Gwhisky]

😂😂😂

[@lightplays2181]

Congratulations ! 5 thousand subscraiber is not bad ))) I ish prosperity to your channel ! Cheers - Gaumarjos !

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks so much for always being supportive Light. It's truly appreciated! 🙏

[@lightplays2181]

@@Gwhisky welcome )))

[@robertmason2311]

Interesting comparison with the anCnoc 12 as that and the Old Pulteney 12 are two of the very few 40% whiskies that I have any time for.

[@Gwhisky]

Glad you enjoy them. Personally I don't know if I'll come back to this one, but the AnCnoc is an easy buy-again. Delicious stuff! Cheers Robert! 🥃

[@eviltrain24]

I've had this one and finished it recently. And yet another bottle where you match my final take. I picked up some canned apricots as well. 3.3/5 on my own scale, maybe about an 84 on that stupid wine scale. It's $41 near me which is fair to tad overpriced. Worth trying once imo. This could be someone else's solid budget sipper but falls a touch short for me. Incidentally, my local whisky shop has been cleaning out their back and found a ton of 50ml packages of Old Pulteney 12 43%, old edition. Picked up 2 minis and had 2 (of 3) sessions. 3.6 and 3.8 for me (3.7 is when drams start to curl my toes, raise my brows). It's decisively better. I'm debating whether I should buy like 15 of them and fill up an empty bottle. One thing that surprised me was Whisky Mystery's take. they do a 300 bottle blind review show and when the old 43% Old Pulteney came up, it earned a (lower) place on their shelf (top10%) and managed to beat out Yamazaki 12 for them.

[@Gwhisky]

That is interesting! Sadly I haven't had the old 12 in a few years, so my comparison really should be taken with a grain of salt. Going off of memory, the old one had a bit more texture and buttery flavour. But truth be told, it was never a great whisky, just a solid budget sipper. As for the new one, it still is that, but only slightly less interesting. Cheers buddy. Seems we agree on a lot!

[@AlinJapan]

Spot on review! I stocked up on the old 17. I get the impression that that quality of Balblair's whisky line up has survived their rebranding better than the Old Pulteney brand, though I haven't tasted all of their new line up.

[@Gwhisky]

It does seem that way, doesn't it. Personally I like the new Balblair 15 (haven't tried the 18) as much as the new Pulteney 15 and 18. While people liked the vintage Balblairs of yester-year, they didn't have the mainstay classics like Pulteney had with the 17 and the 21. Given that the new Pulteney line is a more dramatic and noticeable step down, I think they get a lot more heat. But the 15 and 18 are good whiskies. Not amazing, but pretty good. Thanks for watching Alan! 🥃

[@michaelwood3203]

Thanks Geoff. This is helpful because it gives us a good reference point regarding the mindset of the distillers. The low price is complimented by the quality, and unlike the Springbanks of the whisky world the objective appears to be mass market sales of a compromised product suitable for discount pricing. Knowing which producers that may have this mindset is valuable as we can be more careful and discriminating in our choices. Congrats on 5K. Is there a benefit by hitting this? Not sure how KZbin recognizes this? Be interesting to know?

[@Gwhisky]

Cheers Michael. Yeah sadly Inverhouse owns some very interesting distilleries but has gone with the industry norm of abandoning the craft presentation for many of their expressions. As for the 5k, it's just a symbolic milestone. No benefits other than knowing that your channel is growing! Cheers.

[@daveandrews5485]

I have an unopened bottle of this one in my collection. I really should open it sometime soon. Great review as always G-Dog!

[@Gwhisky]

Enjoy it, Dave! 🥃

[@dairyyang5457]

I had the new 12yo once, and it's like some characterless speysider......because I tried it with Old Pulteney 17yo as comparison.🤣🤣 How great the 17yo was!

[@Gwhisky]

Hah yeah even the old 12 was nice but not great. It could never compare to the 17 and the 21. Absolute classics! 🥃

[@richardagnew4959]

I totally agree with your assessment, Geoff. I enjoy it and have great memories of sipping it with my Dad and a good friend. Congrats on the 5K. Great output and content. :)

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks Richard. Much appreciated!

[@hingcheung]

Congrats on the 5K!

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks so much Hingcheung! 🥃

[@russell3733]

Yep, this standard bottling from the core range does what it's supposed to do - and at an appropriate price. No complaints. I haven't yet "upgraded" to the new 12 year old since the makeover as I still have one and a half bottles of the old juice in reserve (bottled 2015). As you said, Geoff, if you're looking for a palate calibrator to get a flight started, or an easy-going after-work dram, then the OP 12 does the job well. As does the AnCnoc 12, which I can also confirm as a solid alternative. I probably find the AnCnoc a tad more interesting as it offers a nice interplay of sweet and sour notes which most entry bottlings steer clear of. Nevertheless, at the price the OP 12 is offered at, you can't walk by it in this age of wildly inflated pricing policies. Cheers.

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah the price is the biggest selling point. The whisky is competent and decent. For me, nowhere near as good as the AnCnoc 12, which I really do like. But both are solid casual sippers. Cheers Russell! 🥃

[@jasonwest9425]

Great review. I don’t know the old bottle but agree the main thing reccomending this is the price. Yet there are few days where what I really want is a bottle under $50 and if I do it will probably be HP12. AncNoc is about $10 more around here.

[@Gwhisky]

That's odd, the AnCnoc 12 is slightly cheaper here. But yeah, this definitely scratches the itch for cheap casual sipper. Decent stuff! 🥃

[@ronaldbaglien3457]

I quite like Old Pulteney. I find the maritme and grassy notes to be a geat departure from other whisky that make it unique and enjoyable.

[@ryanvh14]

Congratulations on 5k, Geoff!

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks Ryan! 🥃

[@Rohit_M]

Never had inclination to get Old Pulteney so I can't really share thoughts Geoff but it seems they are not living upto their potential especially given their existence. Congrats on 5k subs....keep on cracking G.

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks Rohit. Will do, buddy! 🥃

[@howardbecdove9780]

I have the 2006 travelers addition (1 liter). It’s the only offering I’ve tried. At least it’s 46%ABV. Cheap, by comparison. Didn’t enjoy at first, but the second half of the bottle is much better. Based on that, and your summary, I wouldn’t go back to O P at this time. Thanks once again for the great review. I’m astounded that you haven’t reached 20,000 subscribers by now, though I’m absolutely certain you will. Great work, and congratulations on your milestone.

[@Gwhisky]

Hah that's very kind words. Well I can't say I'm disappointed with the channel so far. It's a slow but steady growth, it's allowed me to get in touch with a lot of great people, and most importantly, it's fun to do! Cheers!

[@Dan-hn1lx]

Old Pulteney fan here and I love the 12 for an entry level sipper, its distillery character is unique and the new range may not be what it used to be but its something different. I have a cask strength Pulteney and its great stuff. Congrats on the 5k mate

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks Dan! Yeah I think if you're not looking for anything epic but you want a budget-friendly hit of OP flavour then this does the trick. I'd love to try some cask strength stuff from them!

[@Thomas_Ekstrom]

You should try their Huddart Single malt, it is nonchill filtered 46% and tastes great 👌

[@Gwhisky]

I'm sure I'll get around to it at some point! Cheers. 🥃

[@peatbull3426]

High Five for 5K Goeff. Congrats 👏 OP12 is a classic, good cheap replacement. If only be at 46% and craft presentation....another nice, informative and enjoyable review. 😁🥃🙋‍♂️

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah I'd pay a few bucks more for the natural presentation, but if you're looking for a decent cheapy in a pinch and you're not hung up on specs this will do. Cheers buddy and thanks for watching and commenting. It's appreciated! 🥃

[@peathead4450]

Congrats of the 5K, Geoff. And this is a decent dram to celebrate it, but not outstanding. Slàinte mhath

[@Gwhisky]

Hah I suppose I should have picked up something more interesting for the big celebration. Oh well. Thanks Peathead! 🥃

[@boswineguy5461]

Great review, the discontinued 43% 12-year-old is still my go to mid-week pour. I haven't tried the new one and probably wouldn't buy a whole bottle - maybe a bar pour or sample.

[@barrelvisor]

Lovely, as a newbie to the scene - I have had one of these. I enjoyed it and you get what you pay for :) Congrats on the milestone!

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks Andy. Glad you enjoyed it! 🥃

[@silverfox108]

Congratulations on hittng 5k. Slow but steady wins the race.

[@Gwhisky]

Hah well its more of a hobby than it is a race, but I appreciate the sentiment! Thanks SilverFox! 🥃

[@danielwollert3744]

Congratz on 5k subscribers. Should be many more, but it´s coming if you keep up the good work.

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks Daniel. No plans to slow down or stop anytime soon. I'm having too much fun! 🥃

[@Koby616]

It has nice maritime notes. If you say anoc is better it's on my buy list now

[@andremartins8723]

Such a perfect timing! It's on my list for the ones to buy/try and I was wondering what to expect. Thanks to your past recommendations, I got the Talisker and Ledaig 10, both of which I loved (especially the salty notes) and thought this might be a good budget alternative (around 30€) with less peat influence (really wished to get the Oban 14, but for me is more than double the price of the OP 12). I'm on my first year journey into whisky and find your content really helpful, due to the variety of bottles you cover, the perspective of value and your honest thoughts and recommendations. Congrats on the 5k and wishes of many more in the future, you deserve it mate!! Cheers 🥳

[@Gwhisky]

Very kind words, André. Flattered that you like the channel and find it useful, and happier still that the Ledaig and Talisker bottles worked out for you. Cheers!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Great work on 5K. Well deserved

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks Phil! 🥃

[@appletreemd]

Very nice entry level from Old Pulteney. I hope you can review Glengoyne 21.

[@Gwhisky]

It's a bit pricey, though. Maybe someday. 🥃

[@sandrofazzolari8833]

A fine detailed review Geoff, but I will not be buying any of this. I did like their 17 which years ago was rather pleasant and interesting. Congratulations on your 5k subscribers. Well deserved. Grazie 🙏 ciao S.

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks so much Sandro. Thanks for your continued support!

[@paulkukiel3725]

Congrats on the 5000, Geoff! 🎉 I really loved the 17, and will cherish what’s left in my bottle.

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks Paul. The 17 is a beauty! Cheers! 🥃

[@welshtoro3256]

Chill-filtering and colour are pretty negative but the 40% is the killer blow for me. Whisky bottled at 40% isn't necessarily bad, it's just not aimed at our audience. When I was a youngster and starting out it would have been fine. The price is alright for what's on offer and that's a decent compliment. Well done for the 5K. You deserve it. WT

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah I don't like any x's up on the board, but the 40% is always the worst offender. It's so incredibly obvious when you're sipping on something that's been watered down to the bare minimum. I agree, the whole experience sufferes. Thanks for the kind words and the support, WT! Appreciated!

[@johnvuela1211]

Thank you for the video Geoff. In your opinion,this one is brings more things than the Tamnavulins and the Glen Morays? Maybe with the AnCnoc 12 some intermediate decent ones...

[@Gwhisky]

I'd say it's a step up from those, but not massively far off. I'd opt for AnCnoc over the rest for sure. 🥃

[@JeffWhisky]

Salty butter is where it is at. Did enjoy the new 12 and never tried the old version. The isle of Rassay bottle for me is the step up from this bottle. Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

I've never looked at Raasay and Pulteney as similar. This calls for a side-by-side! Cheers buddy! 🥃

[@gregmuir4001]

Lol I’m literally looking at a bottle of it now and I find your video looking to see if it’s any good?? A 12 year old for only 30£! That’s amazing I’m adding a couple to my stash I’m looking at some other new stuff aswell that looks pretty good but there’s no age on them?!!

[@chefmarv6499]

Last time I had the 12 was 2013. So not much memory at all, but I remember not seeing why they'd call it "maritime". Bought it recently and now I know, very salty, spicy. Kind of a spicy, salty lemon oil syrup. If it was 10$ cheaper around here it'd be a cracker.

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah for reference I paid under USD $30 for it, so I'm ok with the price. But even with the price we've got here, I don't think I need another bottle. Not when I can get AnCnoc 12 for the same. Cheers Chef! 🥃

[@davidowen2834]

Hi Geoff, had the 12 quite a while back, and if I can remember it wasn’t that bad for a 40 % er. But didn’t really have the urge to buy anymore. Never mind. Good review Geoff and Slàinte on reaching 5k subs 👍. Great channel.

[@Gwhisky]

Sounds like we're on the same page. Decent, kind of forgettable, and like you I don't think I need another bottle. Thanks for the support, David. Cheers my friend!

[@WhiskeyStraightAl]

Sadly, I never had an old line one, though I did pick up an on-offer bottle last year and I found it surprisingly pleasant without wowing me 'tastically' 😉Cheers G.

[@Gwhisky]

Hah Cheers big Al. Shame you missed out on the old line. Great distillate, this. Sadly the new line just can match the heights of the old.

[@thewhiskyenthusiast]

I tasted a 12 from the 80's and it was a completely different beast to what it is now. I could see similarities but the old one felt much more punchier! Have you tried the Huddart? It's a NAS but comes at 46%abv and is finished in ex-peated barrels. I find the 12 too underpowered and Huddart too young and bright so I add 1 part Huddart to 2 parts 12 to make a really nice dram :)

[@Gwhisky]

I've not tried the Huddart yet. I've heard some good and some not-so-good things about it. I'll be sure to give it a try at some point. Let's hope I've still got some 12 around at that point to try that trick out for myself!

[@hansvaneenennaam457]

Hi Geoff, 5k down, well done. And moving on!

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks buddy! 🥃

[@redsox367]

Got a soft spot for the old Pulteney 12 but the biggest thing going for it is that I can usually pick it up on offer for £25 approx, not sure it would be good value at the normal retail price

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah I got mine for about that price too. Decent, but I don't feel the need to come back to it even as affordable as it is. I see the appeal, but it just doesn't excite, unfortunately.

[@steveno7058]

The old 43% is very nice. Bought 2 back up bottles a couple years ago when I found out they were dropping to 40%.

[@Gwhisky]

Smart move! 🥃

[@ricklence3308]

Have you ever reviewed GlenLivet Nadurra cask strength at 63% ABV? I would like to see that! I love your show!

[@Gwhisky]

I haven't done that one yet. I've had it ages ago, but sadly before I started the channel. I might circle back to it at some point. Thanks for watching and for the kind words, Rick! 🥃

[@henrieliot8740]

Ben Nevis 10yo review in the future? Any Campbeltown whiskies. Great blog posts from a fellow Canadian (Montreal) living in New Zealand.

[@Gwhisky]

Montreal, eh? Nice! Ben Nevis isn't sold in Taiwan unless it's horribly marked up, unfortunately. I've got a Glen Scotia Victoriana, a Kilkerran 12, and a Springbank 12 CS on the go. They'll definitely get reviewed! Cheers Henri!

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

I enjoy the OP profile, even the new one. Yes, a bit average, but affordable and a few things to consider that make it different from the generic Scotch on the shelf. Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

It's a budget-friendly hit of OP. I can understand the appeal!

[@pierreluna1654]

Great review ! , Of course Anc Cnoc is more interesting that Old pultney 12 but here in France the price is not at all the same (50 euros and 33 euros) I recently tested The deveron 10 (only 20 euros ! ) and It's remind me a lot the Old Pultney 12 even if The Deveron is less salty.

[@Gwhisky]

I've never had the Deveron, but I'm sorry to hear that AnCnoc 12 is more expensive than Pulteney 12. In my market the price is basically identical. Cheers Pierre. Thanks for watching!

[@xiamengbaby]

I have an unopened older bottle I picked up late last year for $45. It's bottled at 43%. I haven't decided whether to drink it or gift it since though I enjoyed the last bottle I drank, the lower proof stuff usually leaves me wanting a little more from my pour.

[@Gwhisky]

Tough call!

[@jaime_hi-meh_not_jay-mee7095]

Congratulations on the 5k subs! I didn't quite enjoy this as I found the palate a little too watery. I did, however, like the 15. I still see the old version of the 12 every now and then. I might just grab it next.

[@Gwhisky]

Well don't expect too much from it. It was only slightly better, but to be honest the 12 has always been somewhat basic. The big selling point, both in the old line and the new, was/is the cheap price point. Cheers! 🥃

[@Balkonwhisky]

I didnt try the old Expressions from Old Pulteney. Since two Years +/- i hear more and more from them. But i only hear "I miss the old Range because ... ", so i never had the real will (? ) to buy it instead of other Bottles. I tried a Sample of the dark 15yo and it was pretty good, but not good enough to buy a Bottle. Maybe i buy some Old Pulteney in the Future, when Budget is more important. Thanks for your Opinion. I like your Reviews because of that "simple, structurised (?), on the Point, garnished with a little dry Humor. Greetings from Germany and sorry for my School-English. 😅

[@Gwhisky]

Very kind words, thank you. I'm glad you like the videos! As for Pulteney, it's not for everyone. The 12 is decent, but not great. The 15 and the 18 are solid, but a bit expensive. Overall they do make interesting stuff, but the price and the fact that the old line was better seems to turn a lot of people off. Cheers!

[@alehhandro1]

Brings to mind Ralfy’s adage - if you like something buy two or five bottles of it cause it may not be there tomorrow (wish I could afford to do it!). I never tried the old line but agree that the current 12 year old is somewhat bland. Maybe I’ll get lucky and run into an abandoned cupboard with Old Pultney old line bottles sitting there sealed, uncorked and shining invitingly through a venerable layer of patina.

[@Gwhisky]

Hah let's hope. The old 12 was nice, but won't blow you away. Just a bit better than this. But the aged stuff was magic. Cheers! 🥃

[@alehhandro1]

Have you ever reviewed Wolfburn, OP’s neighbour?

[@Gwhisky]

@@alehhandro1 I haven't. I hear good things, though! 🥃

[@PezrulezHaakon]

Thanks for a good review as always. 🤗 I've been looking at this for a while, but since I've already got the Ancnoc 12 wich I really like, I think I'm going to pass on this one.

[@Gwhisky]

Hah that's fair. I much prefer the AnCnoc. More character!

[@lewisduffy675]

Yeah G-man! When you're rich and famous don't forget us small people! ;)

[@Gwhisky]

Lol I won't hold my breath for that. Cheers buddy!

[@FerNightwalker]

A pity to hear that it is not as good as it used to be, I still have some left in the bottle of the old 12 , I will have to drink it very slowly hahaa... Have you tried any of their NAS pre-rebranding expressions?, I saw that they come in different color labels. Good video, cheers Geoff.

[@Gwhisky]

I believe I tried the Navigator. And a lighthouse one? Yes, I've tried them. They were decent.

[@FerNightwalker]

​@@Gwhisky Cool, maybe I'll give them a try so I can know a little more of their profile, Thanks again. 🙏🥃

[@BanjoSick]

Never tried it. Will give it go next time I see it, if it is cheap.

[@Gwhisky]

It's worthwhile if the price is right. I wouldn't recommend it if it's anything over a baseline entry-level price. 🥃

[@RichardT2112]

I guess it depends where you live. Here in western Canada, that is a $93 bottle. There are a lot better for the money IMHO.

[@Gwhisky]

Damn yeah that's way too much. Hard pass for that price! Canada man... Cheers Richard!

[@Nikolay_Nikolov]

In Bulgaria this one sells for about the same money as Glenmorangie 10, Glenfiddich 12, Glenlivet 12, AnCnoc 12, etc. The reason I have been ingoring all these whiskies, and will continue to do so, is the fact I can buy far better presented stuff like Arran 10, Loch Lomond 12, Glen Scotia Double Cask, Glenallachie 12, Glenlivet 12 Licensed Dram, Tomatin 12 for about the same or very little more money. The farthest I can go with them is buying a muniature bottle ir sourcing a sample. As for Old Pulteney in particular, I haven't had any. I've missed the old core range and have been ignoring the new one due to poor price/quality ratio. However, given that our market is lagging behing Western and Central Europe regarding whisky availability and pricing, I may rethink and buy a bottle of say Old Pulteney 15 while it still costs 66-67 euros. Not very likely, but still possible😄 Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah if you insist on natural presentation (and why wouldn't you?) then this one doesn't deliver. It is light and watery, and that's obviously not ideal. The only 40% whisky that I find myself buying over and over again is the AnCnoc 12. The others you listed are ok, but lacking. That includes this one. Like you I'll spend a bit more for the craft stuff. Cheers!

[@TheReal_DeanD]

For me the older Old Pulteney 12 at 43% ABV was fine. I was able to get it for $44 before. I do dig the bottle. I have the older one bunkered so I won't be buying the new one for a bit.

[@Gwhisky]

The new one isn't quite as good, but that's not to say the old one was epic. A decent budget sipper. The magic was with the older age statements. I'm sure the 43% release is better than the one I had access to. Glad to hear you've got one stashed away. You're right, no need for the newer one. Cheers!

[@jeremiasschoenherr]

Have you tried the really old ones (~pre 2013) with the curved half-circle writing in the logo? It was the first O.P. I got to know and I was shocked when I tasted the newer releases ( even before the rebrand). It was like a totally different whisky, green fruits, sour berries, nice texture and wood. Felt like much older than 12yo (and maybe was). I'm surprised no-one talks about this! The differences were significant. Do you know it?

[@Gwhisky]

I'm drawing a blank. I was definitely drinking OP12 prior to 2013, but I guess I don't remember?

[@jeremiasschoenherr]

@@Gwhisky I try to get those old bottles on eBay. Sometimes I'm lucky and get them for just over 30€, but gladly pay up to 60/65€. Maybe you find a bottle, if not, you can always come by for a dram. 😀

[@ironmantran]

Interesting u prefer AnCnoc over OP . . . OP is open served at my place, esp. the 15 . . . now, where is that old (pre-2005) OP12 in oblong tube i have. . .

[@Gwhisky]

This guy. Always flaunting his collection of the classics... (I would too 🥃)

[@ironmantran]

@@Gwhisky lol, sorry, not meant to . . .

[@superodfx]

Geoff have you tried any rye whiskeys? I’m tempted to buy a bottle, I like tequila and pure rye sounds to be more herbal/bitter. I drank a bottle yonks ago with fizz in my mixing years. I don’t like bourbon so I’m hesitant. Might have to go past a bar, scary! Do you care for rye whiskey?

[@Gwhisky]

I've tried many rye whiskies over the years. Quite different from bourbons, although some bourbons do have a fair amount of rye in the mashbill. You can expect more spices, grassy notes, and even some wintergreen type notes from rye whisky. It's not quite as sweet as bourbon. That being said, I don't buy it much. I'm a scotch guy, and speaking personally I much prefer the taste of distilled barley. Cheers!

[@thenavajoknow]

Yeah, I miss the old Pulteney. Just like perfume, by the way: almost every reformulation is flatter, uses cheaper synthetics and dilutes the original formula 😢. I like vintage Scotch and vintage fragrance...

[@SaltyCuban]

Ah Old Pulteney. Ever since I started this “hobby” I was intrigued by this brand. The whole talk of maritime and saltiness had me. So I bought the 12. This was about 8 yrs ago. I remember it being good but not what I expected. Still I bought the 12 a couple more times. Been years though since I’ve had it. I did get a few bottles of the 17 and two 21s. Haven’t had the latter yet. So since the revamped line I’ve had no interest in the new bottles. Partly the reviews and comparisons to the old. Partly the price. I’d be willing to give it a shot but to the new 15 yr old perhaps. With so much competition I just don’t see myself going back to many bottles/brands for the foreseeable future. You could do an episode about bottles that you aren’t likely to revisit that we’re old faves or go to malts at one time. Just a suggestion. Maybe it’s just me refining my tastes and the fact that inflation and skyrocketing scotch prices force me to greatly narrow my options. I still want the “good stuff”. And since I’m on a self imposed budget, I just can’t afford to seek out the wide array of bottlings I did years ago. If and when things get worse economically as it seems to be the case. I’ll probably even end up simply buying multiples of what I already like. Sounds boring but I won’t be disappointed with my hard earned and rapidly devaluing money.

[@Gwhisky]

That's fair. Yeah I don't think I'll be coming back to this 12, and the range overall isn't one I'd recommend for value. I do like there whisky, but we have better options. And boring or not, it's always a good idea to stock up when you find good whisky at a good price. Getting increasingly rare... I think your idea for a video about old staples that are no longer getting replaced is a good one. I've already got a few bottles that I'd include swirling around in my head. Awesome suggestion! Thanks Salty!

[@SaltyCuban]

@@Gwhisky Happy to contribute my man. On a side note and totally off this topic. Have you had a chance to get your hands on Edradour unchillfiltered Single barrel 10 yr old series? I’d love a review of that. Also the SB 12 yr cask strength. Thanks for your time & the reply…as always. 🍻

[@Gwhisky]

@@SaltyCuban I haven't. We just don't get a lot of options from Edradour over here, unfortunately. If I see it I'll grab it if the price is fair!

[@SaltyCuban]

@@Gwhisky ah I didn’t know Edradour was htf there. Well it’s not easy here either, I purchased those bottles online from somewhere in the UK.

[@vimalrajkappil]

Which one is better among glengoyne Balbaina vs PX

[@Gwhisky]

Sorry I've not had either!

[@rafaelnardiiii]

PX is better, I have both here

[@vimalrajkappil]

@@rafaelnardiiii Thank you

[@rafaelnardiiii]

Did you make a direct comparison between the old and new 12 year olds, like drinking them side by side? I say this because I did this a couple of times and I don't think they are that different, it looks to me something of a batch variation instead of a change in the recipe. The rest of the range, yeah, it isn't that great, too much sherry cask focused and that killed a bit of the distillery character. I mean, they are good enjoyable whiskies, but a bit generic, let's put it this way. Perhaps you are thinking about the old 12 year old in a nostalgic way? I used to love Old Pulteney 12 in the beggining of my whisky journey, nowadays it´s not that impressive, even the old bottling that I still have one or two hanging around.

[@Gwhisky]

All of the questions you've asked here are answered in the video. I admit I'm going off of memory and I am nostalgic, but I also note that the old 12 was never a great whisky. But in my memory I do think it was slightly better.

[@kevinmrn]

I feel like the older line was better as well. How is everything in Taiwan btw?

[@Gwhisky]

Everything is fine. We're never totally comfortable here but life goes on. Thanks for your concern Kebber!

[@kevinmrn]

@@Gwhisky Good to hear, crazy times we live in. Hopefully it will all remain peaceful.

[@michaelalbers6685]

👏 5k

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks Michael! 🥃

[@alexharrington44]

Whisky is about quality not quantity, there’s much better for a fraction more money that will be much more of a rewarding and educational experience. This is a beginners whisky only.

[@Gwhisky]

Blunt, but fair.

[@alexharrington44]

Don’t get me wrong it’s better than most of the NAS stuff available in the supermarket and I would strongly recommend it as a bottle to try in the first half dozen or so a newbie buys. Especially when it’s around £25. I don’t think their other bottling’s provide value any more.

[@tjross1313]

CS Old Pulteney is just incredible, but Inverhouse just isn't looking forward. Ancnoc and even Speyburn is getting attention thanks to you and the boss Roy, but Inverhouse just doesn't want to give us the 46% on many products. For me OP is a religious experience - my fam hails from the Loch OP sources its water from so, there's some personal stuff going on there, but they need to up the 12 to 43 or 46, and I think in all honesty, Inverhouse could be doing so much more with their brands but they're shortsighted. Mmm 17 and 21 and CS...

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah they really do have some incredible distilleries. AnCnoc and OP could/should be world class whiskies, even at the entry level. Both have incredible house styles. Balblair, while not as "catchy," is still a beautiful whisky. Speyburn seems to be on the up-and-up, too. I agree... loads of wasted potential. Cheers TJ! 🥃

[@deltabravo9908]

I will never drink or buy this again after the appearance on STV news. Lies about water shortages. I’m gonna push multiple platforms to educate folk

[@Gwhisky]

I haven't heard anything about that...

[@deltabravo9908]

@@Gwhisky They featured on the Scottish news on STV at 18:00 tonight. Spreading fear saying of water shortages in Scotland????? Pure bullshit.