Old Pulteney – 'Coastal Series' Pineau des Charentes (75cl, 46%)

This is a single malt from Old Pulteney in Wick, on the Caithness coast, bottled at 46% ABV without an age statement. It was matured first in ex-bourbon casks and then finished in ex-Pineau des Charentes wine casks, chosen by Master Blender Stuart Harvey. It is the first of four planned releases in the Coastal Series, which pairs the distillery's maritime malt with coastal spirit producers elsewhere. Here the partner is Pineau des Charentes, the French aperitif of grape juice and Cognac. The nose is fragrant, with candied oranges and creamy vanilla. The palate adds warm spices, a sweetness set against the distillery's salinity. The finish has caramelised hazelnuts and ground spices, tapering to coastal minerality.