Old Pulteney – 15 Year Old (70cl, 46%)

This is a 15 year old single malt from Old Pulteney, matured in two stages in American and Spanish oak. It spends its first period in second-fill ex-bourbon casks and then moves to first-fill Spanish oak butts. The casks stay in Wick on the north Scottish coast throughout. The first stage contributes vanilla and dark spice, and the second adds dried fruit and chocolate. Honey and citrus sit between the dark sweetness and the maritime character. It is bottled at 46%, without chill-filtration or added colouring. The nose shows dried fruit and citrus peel over honey and vanilla, with a hint of salted dark chocolate. The palate brings cinnamon, chocolate and toffee with dark sugar syrup, then a salty, maritime impression. The finish is dark toffee with a touch of sea air.