Old Pulteney 12 Year Old

Description

Old Pulteney 12 Year Old: The Genuine Maritime Highland Single Malt

Old Pulteney 12 Year Old is a coastal Highland single malt crafted by the historic Pulteney Distillery in Wick, Scotland, known for its maritime character and traditional craftsmanship.

Established in 1826, Pulteney Distillery stands as one of the northernmost whisky producers on the Scottish mainland. Nestled in the harbor town of Wick, once a bustling center for herring fishing, the distillery has long drawn inspiration from its rugged coastal surroundings. This unique location plays a vital role in shaping the whisky’s identity, with sea air permeating the aging warehouses and influencing the spirit’s development over time.

Old Pulteney 12 Year Old is the flagship expression in the distillery’s core range. It is matured exclusively in air-dried, hand-selected ex-bourbon casks for a full twelve years, allowing the whisky to absorb the rich vanilla and oak nuances typical of American oak. The use of these casks also enhances the whisky’s smooth texture and depth, while preserving the distillery’s signature briny undertone—a hallmark of its coastal provenance.

Bottled at 40% ABV, this single malt is renowned for its balance and complexity. The whisky’s character is shaped not only by its cask maturation but also by the distillery’s traditional equipment, including a century-old Porteus mill and distinctive copper pot stills. The bottle design itself, with its flared neck, echoes the silhouette of these stills, reinforcing the connection between form and heritage.

Old Pulteney 12 Year Old offers a vivid expression of maritime malt whisky, combining time-honored techniques with the elemental influence of the North Sea. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Pulteney Distillery and its commitment to producing distinctive, coastal single malts.

Old Pulteney 12 Year Old Tasting Note

Nose: The aroma offers a medium intensity, opening with clean, fresh notes of sea air and gentle salinity, complemented by hints of crisp green apple and a background of sweet honeyed cereal.

Palate: The body is firm and smooth, delivering an initial sweetness that quickly shifts toward the coastal influence. Flavors of salted caramel and citrus zest emerge, supported by a mild peppery spice and dry vanilla from the American oak.

Finish: The finish is medium-long and warming, maintaining a subtle balance between sweetness and the distinct, lingering briny character, fading slowly with a trace of warming oak spice.

Overall: This expression is a classic representation of its maritime origins, showcasing excellent structure and a cohesive marriage of oak sweetness and saline minerality, making it an approachable yet characterful Highland single malt.