Old Pulteney Pineau des Charentes

This official Old Pulteney single malt 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. Old Pulteney is known the world over as the Maritime Malt.

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 American oak cask shaped it, flattering the waxy, honeyed make. No age is given, but the honeyed depth points to good years in oak. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the honeyed, waxy core over time. 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. 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.

Reduced to 46%, it is mellow. Brine and a honeyed wax sit alongside a touch of oak sweetness underneath. A crisp apple and a sea salt edge lift it. A waxy, coastal finish lingers long. This is the seaside style that made the distillery's name.