Old Pulteney 35 Years Old

This Old Pulteney, an official release, matured to 35 year old, and bottled at 42.5%. A release of 1350 bottles. Built in 1826 in the fishing town of Wick, Caithness, Pulteney is the maritime malt of the far north. 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. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, gentle American oak beneath the brine. At a quarter century and more it is rich and oily, dried fruit and beeswax over a soft sea salt. Coastal warehousing gives the malt its signature salty, maritime lift. The distillery passed through several owners before Inver House took it on. A faint salinity threads the honey, the mark of long coastal maturation. Sir William Pulteney gave his name to the planned town that grew around the harbour.

At 42.5% it is supple and honeyed. Sea air, citrus and salt meet a touch of oak sweetness underneath. Beneath it run honey, citrus and a waxy weight. It finishes clean, salty and bright. This is the maritime malt of Scotland's far north.