The Skinny Whisky Guide: Old Pulteney
The Skinny continues its magical distillery tour with a visit up north to Wick.
What is it? Old Pulteney 12 Year Single Malt
Where’s it from? Scotland’s northernmost distillery (on the mainland, that is – we didn’t forget you, Orkney) in the lively harbor town of Wick, Pulteney has been spiriting up North Sea tinged whiskies for the last 180 years. This is real hearty mariners’ fare – one sip and you could be bobbing up and down on the ocean, playing poker with sea dogs, polishing your harpoon and getting impure thoughts about that woman who reads the shipping forecast.
What’s it like? Matured in sherry and bourbon casks, this single malt is a rosy, amber-hued concoction that catches the light like iced tea. Its big, powerful nose doesn’t let up when it hits the mouth – this is serious, punchy stuff. Fiery and spicy, it still maintains a pleasing salty-sweetness, with a chewy aftertaste of burnt caramel and throat-coating smoothness.
Where can I find it? Buy online at www.oldpulteney.co.uk or from Peckham’s in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
How much? £24.49 for a 75cl bottle