Old Pulteney 2005

This Old Pulteney, an official release,, a 12 year old from 2005 and bottled at 46%. Pulteney, dating to 1826 in the fishing town of Wick, Caithness, it has been the maritime malt of Caithness ever since. Wick was once the herring capital, its fortunes built on silver fish and golden whisky.

Distilled on Loch Hempriggs water in stills whose shape has not changed since the 1820s, the make was then laid down by the sea for its briny, honeyed style. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding only a light honeyed sweetness. Mid age brings a fuller honey and a deeper maritime note. Coastal warehousing gives the malt its signature salty, maritime lift. Slow distillation in the squat stills builds the malt's rounded, waxy body. The cool maritime climate is as much a part of the whisky as the cask. Honey, beeswax and sea salt are the threads that run through the range. The distillery has worn the title of the Maritime Malt for good reason.

At an easy 46% it is gentle. Sea air, citrus and salt meet a touch of oak sweetness underneath. Beneath it run honey, citrus and a waxy weight. A waxy, coastal finish lingers long. This is the maritime malt of Scotland's far north.