Old Pulteney 2011 MSWD Càrn Mòr Strictly Limited (Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers)

An Old Pulteney single malt, selected and bottled by Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, aged 11 year old, from 2011 and bottled at 47.5%. Just 1182 bottles were filled. Old Pulteney was built in 1826 in Pulteneytown on Scotland's far northern shore; it still distils beside the sea at Wick. It is one of the last urban distilleries, set among the streets of Pulteneytown.

The spirit was drawn off the flat topped wash still and boil ball spirit still that give the make its body, and matured by the shore, where sea air works into the wood. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, lending honey and vanilla under the salt. At a youthful age the fruit is lively and the sea salt clear. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the honeyed, waxy core over time. The far north cold draws a clean, bright spirit and a slow take on the oak. Casks rest within sight of the harbour that once shipped herring across Europe.

At a hearty 47.5% it carries real weight. Sea salt and a coastal tang meet soft vanilla from the cask. The mouthfeel is oily, the honey carried on a waxy body. A gently briny finish lingers warm. This is Old Pulteney's classic maritime character.