Home / Whiskey / Gordon & MacPhail (distilled at Old Pult...

Gordon & MacPhail (distilled at Old Pulteney) 21 year old, 43%

Scotland Single Malt Scotch Score: 8.7/10

Gordon & MacPhail (distilled at Old Pulteney) 21 year old, 43% is a highly acclaimed Single Malt Scotch whiskey crafted in Scotland. With an impressive rating of 8.7/10, it features distinctive notes of Apple, Caramel, Cinnamon. Perfect for whiskey enthusiasts seeking single malt scotch expressions from Scotland.

About This Whiskey

The Gordon & MacPhail Old Pulteney 21 Year Old is a sophisticated single malt Scotch whisky that has been aged for over two decades in a mix of oak casks, including ex-bourbon and sherry casks. As with many whiskies from Old Pulteney, this expression showcases the distillery’s coastal heritage, imparting a slight maritime influence alongside its rich, fruity and oaky character. Bottled at 43% ABV, it offers a refined drinking experience that strikes a perfect balance between the sweeter, fruit-driven elements and a more robust, maritime complexity. The 21-year maturation adds depth and smoothness, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a well-aged whisky with a touch of sea salt and gentle spice.

Tasting Notes

NOSE: The nose is complex and inviting, with a clear presence of ripe fruit. There are aromas of soft apples, pears, and a hint of citrus zest that give a bright, refreshing quality. Alongside the fruitiness, there is a distinct honeyed sweetness, with notes of caramel and vanilla adding warmth. Subtle hints of salt and sea breeze emerge, giving a clear maritime influence, while the oak casks contribute a delicate spiciness, with faint touches of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a slight toasted wood aroma. The balance between the fruit, sweetness, and subtle coastal notes makes the nose both captivating and inviting.

TASTE: On the palate, the whisky is medium-bodied with a smooth, silky texture. The sweetness from the honey, caramel, and vanilla continues, providing a rich mouthfeel. The fruity notes from the nose—particularly the apples, pears, and citrus—shine through, while the oak adds depth with flavors of toasted nuts, subtle spice, and a hint of dark chocolate. There’s also a slight briny note, reflective of Old Pulteney’s coastal location, giving the whisky an interesting maritime twist. As the whisky develops, the spices—cinnamon and a touch of ginger—become more prominent, enhancing the overall complexity and making the whisky feel balanced and well-rounded.

FINISH: The finish is medium to long, with the sweetness and fruit notes lingering gently on the palate. The oak spice remains in the background, giving a dry warmth as the whisky fades. The maritime influence becomes more pronounced at the end, with a slight saltiness that adds a savory contrast to the initial sweetness. The final impression is smooth, with the combination of fruit, spice, and maritime notes leaving a lasting and satisfying finish.

Flavor Profile

Apple Caramel Cinnamon Dark Chocolate Ginger Honey Nutmeg Oak Pear Salt Toast Vanilla Zest

Similar Whiskeys

Macallan 10yo Full Proof 57% 1980 (OB, Giovinetti & Figli)

Ledaig 42yo Dusgadh

Laphroaig 27yo 57.4% 1980-2007 (OB, 5 Oloroso Casks, 972 Bts)

Glenfarclas 40yo

Amrut Spectrum (Batch 1)

Glengoyne 25yo

Highland Park 25yo

Highland Park 40yo

Tamdhu 30yo (MacPhail Collection 2009)

Balvenie TUN 1401 (all batches)

Kavalan Solist Oloroso Sherry Cask

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 33)

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 37)

Highland Park 30yo

Laphroaig 25yo

Nikka Single Cask Coffey Malt 12yo

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 40)

Yamazaki 18yo

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 49)

Redbreast 21yo

Yamazaki Sherry Cask (all vintages)

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 56)

Bruichladdich 21yo Cuvée 407 PX

Compass Box Last Vatted Malt

Amrut Greedy Angels (8yo and 10yo)

BenRiach 18yo Albariza Pedro Ximenez Peated

Amrut Spectrum (all batches)

Bowmore Springtide

Highland Park 16yo Odin

GlenDronach Cask Strength (batch 1)

Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 53)

GlenDronach Cask Strength (batch 2)

Macallan Cask Strength

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 39)

Highland Park 18yo

Karuizawa 1990 Sherry Butt

Kavalan Solist PX Cask

Sheep Dip Old Hebridean 1990 Blended Malt

Timorous Beastie 21yo Sherry Edition

Amrut Spectrum 004 (Batch 2)

GlenDronach vintage 20yo Single Cask (all vintages)

Kavalan Solist Manzanilla Cask

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 44)

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 52)

Kavalan Solist Amontillado Cask

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 35)

BenRiach 17yo Solstice Peated Port (both editions)

Benromach 10yo Cask Strength (100 proof)

Highland Park 17yo The Dark

User Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions About Gordon & MacPhail (distilled at Old Pulteney) 21 year old, 43%

What type of whiskey is Gordon & MacPhail (distilled at Old Pulteney) 21 year old, 43%?

Gordon & MacPhail (distilled at Old Pulteney) 21 year old, 43% is a Single Malt Scotch whiskey from Scotland. This type is known for its distinctive characteristics and unique production process.

How should I taste Gordon & MacPhail (distilled at Old Pulteney) 21 year old, 43%?

For the best tasting experience, pour Gordon & MacPhail (distilled at Old Pulteney) 21 year old, 43% into a tulip-shaped glass and let it rest for a few minutes. Start by nosing the whiskey to appreciate its aromatic complexity. Take small sips and let the whiskey coat your palate. You may want to add a few drops of water to open up the flavors. We recommend enjoying it neat to fully appreciate its character.

What foods pair well with Gordon & MacPhail (distilled at Old Pulteney) 21 year old, 43%?

Gordon & MacPhail (distilled at Old Pulteney) 21 year old, 43% pairs excellently with aged cheeses, dark chocolate, nuts, and dried fruits. Experiment to find your perfect pairing!

What are the main flavor notes in Gordon & MacPhail (distilled at Old Pulteney) 21 year old, 43%?

The flavor profile of Gordon & MacPhail (distilled at Old Pulteney) 21 year old, 43% features Apple, Caramel, Cinnamon, Dark Chocolate, Ginger. These flavors create a complex and layered tasting experience that has been highly praised by critics and enthusiasts alike.

Cocktails with Scotch

Affinity

Balmoral

Dry Rob Roy

Flying Scotchman

Godfather

Highland Fling Cocktail

Irish Cream

Loch Lomond

Penicillin

Rusty Nail

Scotch Sour

Thriller

Whisky Mac