Old Pulteney 12 YO Single Malt Scotch whisky

The Old Pulteney 12 YO Single Malt Scotch whisky is distilled and matured near the port of Wick (include Wick link) which is in the most northerly region of Scotland.  The Old Pulteney distillery sits in a rugged and windswept area of the Scottish Mainland and the distillery was established in 1826.

During the 1826 period and beyond, the port of Wick was considered to be one of the busiest seafaring ports of Europe due mostly to the amount of herring harvested from the sea.  I can see why the distillery coined the phrase “The Maritime Malt” due to the seafaring connection between it and the Wick Port.

All whiskies take on the distinctive characteristics of their surroundings and the Old Pulteney 12 YO Single Malt Scotch whisky takes on the slightly salty sea air of the coastline but it has a refined, mature sweetness. The aroma has a sweet and caressing aroma on the nose.  Another interesting factor which contributed to the distinctive flavor of the whisky is the shape of the still used for distilling the product.  One of the myths about the distillery is that that since the whisky still was taller than the still house, the distillery owner cut off part of the still neck and then reshaped the neck so it would fit.  The reshaped neck of the still also contributed to the unique shape of bottle.

Curious to know the price point?  I picked up a bottle from Total Wines and More for around $48 for a 750 ml size bottle.  I had a great time discovering the different aromas and flavors embedded in the whisky.

The tasting notes are as follows:

Color:  Rich honey or deep amber with a slight pinkish hue

Nose/Aroma:  Vanilla, honey, butterscotch, slightly salt, bourbon and oak

Palate/Taste:  Spicy, sweetness like honey, nutmeg, pleasant; a walk through a hillside near the ocean or sea; strolling along the beach while barefooted

Finish:  Long where it starts on the tongue tip and slow swirls around the tongue body; creamy mouthful that provides a sweet sticky yet clingy caress

Suggested Food Pairing:  I would recommend a seafood based food pairing to go with the Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch.  I would suggest mild seafood like salmon, tuna and prawns or shrimp.   I would even go so far as to recommend seafood that’s been prepared in a creamy base.   I noticed on Old Pulteney’s website that a dish that included caviar was a recommended pairing.

Suggested cigar pairing:  I would suggest the Graycliff Graywolf cigar, from the Graycliff Cigar Company.  This cigar is a mild bodied or strength cigar which does justice to the slightly salty flavor of the whisky.

I’m open to hear from other whisky lovers about which food or cigars you paired with the Old Pulteney 12 Single Malt Scotch whisky.  We look forward to your comments.