Pulteney 7 Years Old 2013 (SMWS 52.41)

Scotch Malt Whisky Society bottled this Old Pulteney single malt, a 7 year old coastal malt, from 2013, drawn from cask 52.41 and bottled at 59.6%. Just 256 bottles were filled. Pulteney was dating to 1826 by James Henderson in Pulteneytown, Wick, and it remains one of the most northerly distilleries on the mainland. The distillery closed in 1930 when Wick went dry, and reopened only in 1951.

It was worked through Pulteney's boil ball stills, fed by Loch Hempriggs, before long maturation by the sea drew in its coastal character. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, the backbone of the Pulteney style. At a youthful age the fruit is lively and the sea salt clear. The cool, damp northern climate slows maturation, letting the spirit take wood gently over many years. Robert Cumming reopened the silent distillery in 1951 as demand for whisky returned. Old Pulteney is matured within sight of the harbour that gave Wick its name.

At cask strength 59.6% it is muscular and oily. Salt spray and beeswax sit alongside light vanilla from the refill oak. A beeswax and a saline tang give it real body. The finish runs oily, saline and warm. This is the salty, honeyed signature of Wick.