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

Old Pulteney 15 Year Old is a Highland single malt from the distillery at Wick, on the Caithness coast, bottled at 46% in a 70cl bottle. It has matured in ex-bourbon and sherry casks. The distillery is one of the most northerly on the Scottish mainland, and the coastal setting is said to shape the character of the whisky. Here that shows as dried fruit, spice and a creamy richness, with a subtle briny note. The nose offers dried fruit, sherry, toffee and honey with a hint of sea air. The palate is rich and rounded, with raisin, orange peel, vanilla, spice and a touch of sea salt. The finish is long, warm and slightly drying, with sweet oak and a lingering coastal note.