Agree on that appraisal. One of the most complex shape-shifters I’ve happened upon. Virtually everything from a flavour-wheel can be found sipping this. It is rich, and sweet, but damn it’ll be missed. I’m willing to bet at least one of you shifts up to a four as that bottle offers up it’s last breath.
I got lucky and found three of these in a LIquor Store today for $189 each plus tax. I grabbed two of them, but once I try this, I'm sure I'll wish I had bought the last one too! Great review...it made me start searching.
Just picked up that bottle of OP-21!! And may I say.... WOW!!! Would never have picked up this bottle if it wouldn’t had been for this review!!! Great 👍 review!!
Really liked the review so I picked up a bottle on the way home last night. Wow, I really like this one. Every bit of a 3.5+ I'm already hunting around for another one to sit to the side for later. Much later. Thanks guys!
I've really enjoyed the Old Pulteney 12 that I picked up a while back. I'll definitely check out the 21 if I can get my hands on it. Thanks for the review.
Great review fellas! Old Putney 12 has become one of my favorite scotches..especially for the price! Trying this bottle sounds like it was something special. Cheers!
S4D, this is one of my top bottles. The 21 & 17 are being discontinued due to lack of stock. With that in mind, my store just received another 6 cases of the 21 yr for $140 a bottle. I to would rate this a 3.5 and no water is needed. Good review.
Great review! Old Pulteney 21 is about $205 after tax at our Total Wine. I bought two and have not opened them yet. I will open one after I finish my Balblair 1990. I prefer sweeter scotch; I am excited to try it!
Mark, I opened OP 21 last night. It was really fruity and floral, I tasted a lot of the light fruits. I will let the bottle oxide some. I thought it was a sweeter version of the OP 17. I almost prefer the 17 over the 21 but both are very nice.
Never had it but sounds like a stunner! There's a store online selling it for $146.19 + shipping. It's currently listed in their core range on their website. Maybe it's back in production or just on limited production runs? Cheers fellas!
Great job guys. This bottle had been on my radar for a long time. I better pull the trigger soon before it’s gone . My birthday is next month so that’s a good reason . But I did find a place that has a bottle of Glengoyne 25 yr also. What’s a guy to do.. can’t get both.
I was at local Total Wine & more yesterday. There were 3 bottles of this on the shelf. I was shopping with my annual bonus $$$ so I picked up a bottle of this and a bottle of Balblair 1989 (another discontinued bottle). I love OP17 as a regular staple, but have never tried this, I have high hopes. The OP21 is $160 here vs $120 for the 17. I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on another bottle of this before it's gone for good. I hate always being pushed into the "ya snooze, ya loose" frame of mind when scotch shopping.
I have learned my lesson and if I have the cash I don’t hesitate any more. This is a good bottle for sure but at $160 it is not in everyone’s ballpark. I think that is a very reasonable price for what you get.
I saw this at a VA ABC store for $180 and it was really hard to chose between this and the Glendronach 18. Telex helped me get an OP 17 and I am very happy with that one. If I fall into some cash I will try to pick it up. Glad you tried, OP has always been a good value whisky, with good quality. Gotta like the whisky just because it has a boat on the label ;) said the sailor--hehe
I went with the Glendronach 18 since I have the 17. Both are great, and both going away :( What I am learning is you find a scotch that you really like, you need to horde a few away because things change pretty fast in the Whisky Industry and malts and expressions change from year to year and I know now they can disappear.
Old Pulteney 12 is the only OP I have tried and it was just "ehhhh ok". I have heard that the 17 and especially the 21 are amazing. Great video as usual boys!
I like the 17 a lot, and if I ever see the 21 I'll be intrigued, but I probably won't have enough money on me to go for it... You guys are lucky that Tom sent it to you!
I read that Old Pulteney attempted aging their whisky farther inland and it lost that sweet and salty note that’s so distinctive. And the distillery has no idea why because the salty sea air isn’t getting into the barrels. Guess that’s a riddle for the ages.
Good review fellas, I doubt we'll see many more of OP 21. It's a very good whisky and I have one stashed away for a rainy day. I've had a couple of ex-fino matured whiskys at this kind of age (a Glenlivet 20yr bottled by Signatory recently) and they have been excellent. This used to retail for £100-120 and although you can still pick it up the price has rocketed and it's not worth it. However, I've always felt that the Old Pulteney 17 is almost as good and that will set you back £79 a bottle.
One of my favorite highland expressions. Drinking some this weekend in fact. I didn't know it went OOP 😳 all good things end I guess. Fortunately I've still got several in my vault. They will just have to last.
Your vault must be a great place to have a look through and see what’s hanging around. If you ever need help with taking inventory let us know. - Shawn
$160.00 here in Phoenix. Got what I thought was the last bottle at Total Wine, the, low and behold, a new shipment arrived! Good for me, bad for the wallet!
Looks like a yummy bottle for sure! I am going to watch this again when I get home with my own "Shawn sized pour"! I might be wrong but Fino Sherry is a dry sherry. I guess it could still be adding some sweet notes. I had to laugh when Mark said "I can get two drinks out of this bottle." Looking at the level in the bottle after Shawn's pours I think only two drinks each is about right. I know of several locations in Chicago with OP 21 still available. If you are in the City hit up Binny's (use the website to find the stores with the bottles) and in the south loop hit up Warehouse Liquors (they had two bottles last I looked). Just found another shop in Chicago with the 21 for $146 a bottle. Lowest price I have ever seen. Enjoying a dram now as I re watch your review.
You are dead on with Fino Sherry being ultra dry. Cheers Tom R! I have my eye on a bottle of this, just wondering if I should pull the trigger since the 12 didn't blow me away.
I have only had the 17 and 21. I might get a bottle of the 12 later in the year. I have to believe that the 21 is nothing like the 12. I bet Drew could comment since he has tried both now.
The 12 is a very nice basic whisky. Nothing super special, but it is nice and its price is well below other 12 yrs. I get lots of maritime flavors, I don't think it has any sherry influence at all, or if it is there it is very small.
Really like the 12 and purchased the 17 before Xmas but awaiting spring before I get onto it, and I believe its a different beast to the 21. Unfortunately the latter is out of my price range even if it was still available. It sounded quite nice even though I'm not big on sherry bombs. Can I make a quick point though, I don't know if anyone else feels like this, but the cuts in the editing are quite off-putting. If you are blethering nonsense, we don't mind, we all love you guys warts and all! Now if its something like one of the wives coming down to moan at you for spending so much time in that basement bar, then ok! However just though I'd bring it up as I don't mind a bit of waffle, I am a long time Ralfy subscriber so used to it anyway! :D Keep up the great work lads and see you all tomorrow if you are doing a stream.
Hey Saltire! Thanks for the honest opinion/suggestion on the videos. Obviously, we're always trying to tweak something and feedback is the only way we can know how our course corrections are in fact corrections or detriments! Hope you get your hands on a 21 someday!! ~Mark
Guys, you can get the OP 17yo, which is just as good (in a different way), from the online retailers; and, it would make a great comparison video...just saying.
Nice review guys. OP 21 is great stuff. Side note, being bottled at 46% doesn't always mean it's not chill filtered, however that seems to be the case most of the time. A recent example of something that is above 46% and chill filtered is the new Highland Park Full Volume. 47.2% and they state its chill filtered at 4 degrees C. I think typical chill filtration is done at 5-10 degrees C. Cheers!
This is interesting! The main reason I hear chill filtration is that for spirits under 46% it keeps them from clouding up when any water/ice is added as the filtration removes acids, esters and proteins, but anything over 46% it is not required because the actual alcohol content prevents the existence of those things! Now, if HP is chill filtering something that is 47.2% then it suggests that chill filtration most definitely has an affect on taste, which for a long time it was mentioned only as cosmetic! The question is how is it affecting the taste when it is not removing anything (acids, esters or proteins) as they don't exist in the first place... Looks like I'm going to have to force Andrew to explain it to me....hahah! Thanks for sharing! Cheers, ~Mark
Agree on that appraisal. One of the most complex shape-shifters I’ve happened upon. Virtually everything from a flavour-wheel can be found sipping this. It is rich, and sweet, but damn it’ll be missed. I’m willing to bet at least one of you shifts up to a four as that bottle offers up it’s last breath.
I live in Wick Scotland. The still they were talking about was actually too tall when it arrived so the distillery manager had the top of it cut off.
I got lucky and found three of these in a LIquor Store today for $189 each plus tax. I grabbed two of them, but once I try this, I'm sure I'll wish I had bought the last one too! Great review...it made me start searching.
I say you bury one of them right now, else it's gonna get drunk....LOL!!! ~Mark
Cant wait to try. Great review fellas.Just bought couple bottles of this today. Price is @ 228.99 🥴
The shop might have a few more.
Just picked up that bottle of OP-21!! And may I say.... WOW!!! Would never have picked up this bottle if it wouldn’t had been for this review!!! Great 👍 review!!
Scotch 4 Dummies!! Just found another OP-21!! Getting to crack one soooon!!
Really liked the review so I picked up a bottle on the way home last night. Wow, I really like this one. Every bit of a 3.5+ I'm already hunting around for another one to sit to the side for later. Much later. Thanks guys!
It is a gem. Happy to hear you're enjoying it as much as we are!!! ~Mark
I've really enjoyed the Old Pulteney 12 that I picked up a while back. I'll definitely check out the 21 if I can get my hands on it. Thanks for the review.
The 12 is a solid bottle for the price, I hope you get a chance to try the 21..... you're gonna like it!! ~Mark
Great review fellas! Old Putney 12 has become one of my favorite scotches..especially for the price! Trying this bottle sounds like it was something special. Cheers!
S4D, this is one of my top bottles. The 21 & 17 are being discontinued due to lack of stock. With that in mind, my store just received another 6 cases of the 21 yr for $140 a bottle. I to would rate this a 3.5 and no water is needed. Good review.
Great review! Old Pulteney 21 is about $205 after tax at our Total Wine. I bought two and have not opened them yet. I will open one after I finish my Balblair 1990. I prefer sweeter scotch; I am excited to try it!
You have to let us know what you think of it once you've cracked it open!! ~Mark
Mark, I opened OP 21 last night. It was really fruity and floral, I tasted a lot of the light fruits. I will let the bottle oxide some. I thought it was a sweeter version of the OP 17. I almost prefer the 17 over the 21 but both are very nice.
You can get this bottle for $139-$159 here in California. After watching this review I maybe buying it this weekend. Thanks guys!!! 🤙🏼
Pete, you grab that bottle right now and enjoy every last drop! ~Mark
Scotch 4 Dummies I pulled the trigger and picked it up. It’s going down on April 14th. My 41st birthday.
D'OH!!!!! I can't wait to hear how this goes and what you have to say....dare I say you may find yourself experiencing a whiskygasm!!!! LOL..... ~Mark
Never had it but sounds like a stunner! There's a store online selling it for $146.19 + shipping. It's currently listed in their core range on their website. Maybe it's back in production or just on limited production runs? Cheers fellas!
Great job guys. This bottle had been on my radar for a long time. I better pull the trigger soon before it’s gone . My birthday is next month so that’s a good reason .
But I did find a place that has a bottle of Glengoyne 25 yr also. What’s a guy to do..
can’t get both.
Great review! This is a real winner and a favourite over here!! Cheers guys 🥃
Just found this for $160 in Nashville. Waiting until my birthday in March to try it.
SCORE! Lucky you, enjoy!
I was at local Total Wine & more yesterday. There were 3 bottles of this on the shelf. I was shopping with my annual bonus $$$ so I picked up a bottle of this and a bottle of Balblair 1989 (another discontinued bottle). I love OP17 as a regular staple, but have never tried this, I have high hopes. The OP21 is $160 here vs $120 for the 17.
I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on another bottle of this before it's gone for good. I hate always being pushed into the "ya snooze, ya loose" frame of mind when scotch shopping.
I have learned my lesson and if I have the cash I don’t hesitate any more. This is a good bottle for sure but at $160 it is not in everyone’s ballpark. I think that is a very reasonable price for what you get.
Just scored a bottle in Lafayette CO, $200!!! I hate to say it, but I like it more than The King....
Our whisky club had this expression at the January meeting - wonderful stuff. Just wish it wasn’t so expensive ;-)
and that it wasn't disappearing.... :-( ~Mark
I saw this at a VA ABC store for $180 and it was really hard to chose between this and the Glendronach 18. Telex helped me get an OP 17 and I am very happy with that one. If I fall into some cash I will try to pick it up. Glad you tried, OP has always been a good value whisky, with good quality. Gotta like the whisky just because it has a boat on the label ;) said the sailor--hehe
Would love to hear what you think..... ~Mark
I went with the Glendronach 18 since I have the 17. Both are great, and both going away :( What I am learning is you find a scotch that you really like, you need to horde a few away because things change pretty fast in the Whisky Industry and malts and expressions change from year to year and I know now they can disappear.
Great review guys! I have the 12 yr and it's one of my favorites. Cheers! !
The 12 is excellent value!! ~Mark
Old Pulteney 12 is the only OP I have tried and it was just "ehhhh ok". I have heard that the 17 and especially the 21 are amazing. Great video as usual boys!
The 21 is amazing and honestly I really think for the price the 12 is a great value! ~Mark
I like the 17 a lot, and if I ever see the 21 I'll be intrigued, but I probably won't have enough money on me to go for it... You guys are lucky that Tom sent it to you!
Don't give up quig.... you really need to at least try it! ~Mark
I read that Old Pulteney attempted aging their whisky farther inland and it lost that sweet and salty note that’s so distinctive. And the distillery has no idea why because the salty sea air isn’t getting into the barrels. Guess that’s a riddle for the ages.
Well, that's interesting....will bring it up on tonight's live show! Be there, 10PM EST!!! ~Mark
Good review fellas, I doubt we'll see many more of OP 21. It's a very good whisky and I have one stashed away for a rainy day. I've had a couple of ex-fino matured whiskys at this kind of age (a Glenlivet 20yr bottled by Signatory recently) and they have been excellent. This used to retail for £100-120 and although you can still pick it up the price has rocketed and it's not worth it. However, I've always felt that the Old Pulteney 17 is almost as good and that will set you back £79 a bottle.
One of my favorite highland expressions. Drinking some this weekend in fact. I didn't know it went OOP 😳 all good things end I guess. Fortunately I've still got several in my vault. They will just have to last.
Your vault must be a great place to have a look through and see what’s hanging around. If you ever need help with taking inventory let us know.
- Shawn
$160.00 here in Phoenix. Got what I thought was the last bottle at Total Wine, the, low and behold, a new shipment arrived! Good for me, bad for the wallet!
It is a gem, so get what you can while you can! ~Mark
Great review gentlemen
Just got the last bottle from my local store in SE Michigan for $160
And you should celebrate by opening it up.... :-) ~Mark
My go to store found a case of this stuff. Got a bottle for $150
Good choice! Buy two. One to keep and one to share with other scotch lovers. ~Andrew
great review guys!
Looks like a yummy bottle for sure! I am going to watch this again when I get home with my own "Shawn sized pour"! I might be wrong but Fino Sherry is a dry sherry. I guess it could still be adding some sweet notes.
I had to laugh when Mark said "I can get two drinks out of this bottle." Looking at the level in the bottle after Shawn's pours I think only two drinks each is about right.
I know of several locations in Chicago with OP 21 still available. If you are in the City hit up Binny's (use the website to find the stores with the bottles) and in the south loop hit up Warehouse Liquors (they had two bottles last I looked).
Just found another shop in Chicago with the 21 for $146 a bottle. Lowest price I have ever seen.
Enjoying a dram now as I re watch your review.
You are dead on with Fino Sherry being ultra dry. Cheers Tom R! I have my eye on a bottle of this, just wondering if I should pull the trigger since the 12 didn't blow me away.
Tom R your are right. Btw Oloroso is also pretty dry. PX is sweet... and Port
I have only had the 17 and 21. I might get a bottle of the 12 later in the year. I have to believe that the 21 is nothing like the 12. I bet Drew could comment since he has tried both now.
The 12 is a very nice basic whisky. Nothing super special, but it is nice and its price is well below other 12 yrs. I get lots of maritime flavors, I don't think it has any sherry influence at all, or if it is there it is very small.
Love old pulteney. A proper whisky.
Good review. The 17 is also going away. But my understanding is that an 18 may be coming. Whatever it is, they will do a good job with it.
hmmmm, haven't heard anything about an upcoming 18? That would be welcomed!!! ~Mark
Nice review..sounds tasty !!
this 21 bottle now cost well over 200. even still, it's hard to find
Ya', hate to say it, but the shipped has sailed..... :-( ~Mark
Really like the 12 and purchased the 17 before Xmas but awaiting spring before I get onto it, and I believe its a different beast to the 21. Unfortunately the latter is out of my price range even if it was still available. It sounded quite nice even though I'm not big on sherry bombs.
Can I make a quick point though, I don't know if anyone else feels like this, but the cuts in the editing are quite off-putting. If you are blethering nonsense, we don't mind, we all love you guys warts and all! Now if its something like one of the wives coming down to moan at you for spending so much time in that basement bar, then ok! However just though I'd bring it up as I don't mind a bit of waffle, I am a long time Ralfy subscriber so used to it anyway! :D
Keep up the great work lads and see you all tomorrow if you are doing a stream.
Hey Saltire! Thanks for the honest opinion/suggestion on the videos. Obviously, we're always trying to tweak something and feedback is the only way we can know how our course corrections are in fact corrections or detriments!
Hope you get your hands on a 21 someday!! ~Mark
Fingers crossed, I may get an old dusty one on special some day!
Hey Shawn... you mean you only give fours to readily available Port Ellens? XD
(It's alright, I get the PE uniqueness factor!) Cheers!
Guys, you can get the OP 17yo, which is just as good (in a different way), from the online retailers; and, it would make a great comparison video...just saying.
That is now discontinued too I believe so will be rarer to get ahold of. I managed to bag one before Xmas luckily.
Interesting. I just found this for $190 plus tax. When I have the money together I may have to get it.
Lovescotch.com. caskers.com and flaviar.com all have the Old Pulteney 21 for around 160 a bottle.
€130 a bottle in my country.. still available
Snatch it up!
This is a really great whisky!!
The 21 is going for £250 here in the uk which is about $350 so you got a bargain there.
Hey Gary, $165 CDN incl. tax in Nova Scotia, that's 95.64 pounds equiv., I think I may pick up a backup.
peter white nice one. I won't pay £250 for any whisky. If I knew it was going to be discontinued I would have bought a bottle.
Nice review guys. OP 21 is great stuff. Side note, being bottled at 46% doesn't always mean it's not chill filtered, however that seems to be the case most of the time. A recent example of something that is above 46% and chill filtered is the new Highland Park Full Volume. 47.2% and they state its chill filtered at 4 degrees C. I think typical chill filtration is done at 5-10 degrees C. Cheers!
This is interesting! The main reason I hear chill filtration is that for spirits under 46% it keeps them from clouding up when any water/ice is added as the filtration removes acids, esters and proteins, but anything over 46% it is not required because the actual alcohol content prevents the existence of those things! Now, if HP is chill filtering something that is 47.2% then it suggests that chill filtration most definitely has an affect on taste, which for a long time it was mentioned only as cosmetic! The question is how is it affecting the taste when it is not removing anything (acids, esters or proteins) as they don't exist in the first place...
Looks like I'm going to have to force Andrew to explain it to me....hahah! Thanks for sharing! Cheers, ~Mark