Whisky - Old Pulteney 12YO 40%

I have a guest taster with me at the moment.Historical bumf.

Established in 1826 in Wick, Pulteney Distillery is the most                  northerly
distillery on the Scottish mainland and at that time                  was only accessible
by sea. The barley was brought in by sea,                  the whisky shipped out
by boat and many of the distillery workers                  were also employed as
fishermen. Sadly the herring fishing industry                  is no longer part
of daily life in Wick but Pulteney Distillery                  continues to operate,
distilling one of the finest Highland malts                  available.

Nose: A quick wif of sherry is soon overtaken  bye tangy oily saltiness.  Marzipan with milk chocolate.

Pallet:  bold and interesting.     More marzipan dark chocolate all sprinkled with salty sweet malt and    something dry and tangy.

Finnish:  not too long but drying with a fresh drink ability.  The salt stays.  Probably the saltiest whisky I’ve ever tasted. Reminds of the Springbank 10.

Comments:  smashing value at £22.50 a bottle, and even better when it’s on offer.  Nothing wrong with this coastal highland malt and it really is interesting.  I didn’t like this on first try, but maybe I didn’t expect the singular taste of a special spirit that really brings it’s coastal flavours to the front.   Water opens this robust whisky up too.

Score:  84

Clare’s note

Nose:  sherry with a Lingering coffee chocolate after the swallow.  

Not bad for a little un aye?  She actually likes it with water and could drink it!!!