Old Pulteney 11 Year Old SMWS Saltwater Symphony 52.50 55.7%

Aroma: The nose gave individual Panel members suggestions of apple turnover, clover honey and candle wax, but we all got onshore sea breezes, oilskins, crab claws and fishing boats. This was understated but undeniably maritime.

Palate: The palate, quite bold of body, had sugared almonds, bubblegum and strawberry tarts, leading to digestive biscuits and rosemary crackers, before finishing with aniseed, lemon rind, balsamic and oak. The palate held on to that oaked character but also found pie crusts, pumpernickel, liquorice and candied fennel seeds.

The Pulteney distillery is situated in Wick on the east coast of Scotland in the Northern Highlands whisky producing region. The distillery has a long history dating back to 1826 when it was founded by James Henderson. In those early days of production barley was shipped in by sea and the whisky was also distributed in the same way.

More recently Allied Domecq sold Pulteney to Inver House Distillers in 1995. Practically the entire production was reserved for blending under the old ownership. The new owners have focussed on Old Pulteney as a single malt and as such the distillery has enjoyed great success. The brand is now the largest in Inver House Distillers portfolio along with Speyburn.

Old Pulteney single malt is a multi-award winning whisky scooping many medals for its aged and none aged statement releases. The Old Pulteney 12 year stands out as being the most decorated of the core range. Dubbed ‘The Maritime Malt’ the sea air has a great influence on the maturing whisky, defining its final bottled style. The character of Old Pulteney is sweet, smooth and fruity with hints of sea salt.

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