Old Pulteney Whisky

Initially, the Old Pulteney 12 YO Single Malt Scotch whisky is distilled and matured near the port of Wick.  In addition, the Port of Wick is located in the most northern region of Scotland.

The port of Wick considered being one of the busiest maritime ports of Europe during the 1826 period.  Moreover, the Port of Wick received this title due mainly to herring harvested from the sea.

The Old Pulteney distillery is located a stone’s throw to the port.  Therefore, I can see why the distillery coined “The Maritime Malt” due to the nautical connection and the Wick Port.

Furthermore, the Old Pulteney distillery sits in a rugged and windswept area of the Scottish Mainland.  And, the distillery was established in 1826.  The Old Pulteney 12 YO whisky is one of seventeen whisky recipes created at the distillery.

Coastal Sea Whisky

Secondly, all the whiskies take on the distinctive characteristics of their surroundings.  Also, the Old Pulteney 12 YO Single Malt Scotch whisky takes on the slightly salty sea air of the coastline but has a refined, mature sweetness.  Being a maritime whisky, the Old Pulteney whisky absorbs the surrounding port characteristics.

The Old Pulteney whisky aroma has a sweet and caressing aroma on the nose.  The distinctive shape of the stills contributed to the 12 YO whisky’s flavor.

Old Pulteney Whisky Still

One of the myths about the Old Pulteney distillery is that the whisky was still taller than the still house. The tall still neck is because the distillery’s owner cut off part of the still neck and then reshaped the neck to fit within the distillery.  The reshaped channel of the still also contributed to the unique shape of the Old Pulteney bottle.

Curious to know the price point?  The whisky is available at many spirits shops.  I sourced my current bottle of Old Pulteney 12 YO whisky 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.

Whisky Tasting Notes

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

Food and Cigar Pairing

Suggested Food Pairing:  I would recommend a seafood-based food pairing to go with the Old Pulteney 12 YO whisky.  Some suggestions are 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 strength cigar that does justice to the slightly salty flavor of the whisky.

I’m open to hearing 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.