Old Pulteney Distillery, nestled in the picturesque town of Wick, Scotland, is known for its exceptional single malt Scotch whisky. In a move that has whisky enthusiasts buzzing with anticipation, the distillery has unveiled the second expression in its prestigious Coastal Series, aptly named "Old Pulteney Port." This limited edition release follows the success of the first edition in the series, "Old Pulteney Pineau des Charentes," which captured the essence of the French coastline. With the Coastal Series, Old Pulteney aims to forge unique partnerships with coastal distilleries and bring new dimensions to their "Maritime Malt."
The star of the show, Old Pulteney Port, marries the rich, fruity flavors of ruby Port with the distinctive maritime-mineral character that Old Pulteney is celebrated for. To achieve this delightful fusion, Old Pulteney Port undergoes a meticulous maturation process. Initially, the whisky is aged in second-fill ex-bourbon casks, infusing it with a depth of character. Then, it embarks on a second journey, resting in Ruby Port Pipes and Ruby Port Barriques hailing from the Douro Valley in Northern Portugal. This second maturation in Port casks lends the whisky its sweet and briny notes, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors.
The result is a whisky that tantalizes the senses. When you pour a glass of Old Pulteney Port, you'll be greeted with a mesmerizing rose gold hue with delicate peach reflections. The nose is a journey in itself, with sweet sultanas, vanilla butter, and candied orange peel taking center stage. As you explore further, you might even detect hints of gingerbread, cherries, marzipan, and dark chocolate, adding layers of complexity.
When it comes to the palate, Old Pulteney Port does not disappoint. It offers a delectable blend of sweetness and spice, with baked apples, caramel, and cinnamon buns dancing on your taste buds. As you savor the second or third sip, vanilla pudding with a hint of rose water emerges, perfectly complemented by that signature maritime-mineral note that Old Pulteney is known for.
The finish is a graceful finale, a delicate blend of fruit, warm spices, and the irresistible sweetness of plum jam. It's an experience that lingers, leaving you with a longing for one more sip.
The Coastal Series is a testament to Old Pulteney's commitment to exploring new horizons and pushing the boundaries of whisky craftsmanship. The success of Old Pulteney Pineau des Charentes was a testament to the distillery's dedication to capturing the essence of the French coastline. Now, with Old Pulteney Port, they have set their sights on the Douro Valley in Northern Portugal, renowned for its world-class Port wines. This journey into the world of Port casks promises to be a delightful adventure for whisky connoisseurs.
Old Pulteney Port is available at a hearty 46% ABV, allowing you to savor its intricate flavors at their best. The bottle comes elegantly packaged in a ruby red box, evoking the colors of Port and adorned with an illustration of the Portuguese coast, a nod to the whisky's origins. While it's currently available in the UK at specialist whisky retailers, whisky enthusiasts in Europe can look forward to its release shortly, with the United States set to have a taste of this coastal masterpiece in 2024.
Malcolm Waring, Distillery Manager at Pulteney, expressed his enthusiasm for the release, stating, "Old Pulteney Port is a wonderful addition to our series of limited editions, shining a spotlight on another coastal region through a beautiful cask maturation." His words reflect the distillery's dedication to exploring the coastal regions of the world, one cask at a time.
The journey of the Coastal Series is far from over, with two more editions slated for release in 2024 and 2025. Each promises to bring new coastal flavors to the world of whisky, continuing Old Pulteney's tradition of crafting exceptional and distinct expressions.
Old Pulteney Port is more than just a whisky; it's an ode to the sea, the coast, and the rich history of maritime craftsmanship. It's a whisky that invites you to embark on a sensory adventure, capturing the essence of coastal regions in every drop. With its unique maturation in Ruby Port casks, Old Pulteney Port sets sail to new horizons, and whisky enthusiasts are eager to embark on this voyage of flavor and discovery.
About Old Pulteney Distillery
Old Pulteney Distillery is a renowned Scotch whisky distillery situated in the town of Wick, on the northeast coast of Scotland. Established in 1826, it is one of the northernmost distilleries on the Scottish mainland and has a rich heritage of producing exceptional single malt Scotch whisky. The distillery's location, surrounded by the rugged coastline and the North Sea, plays a significant role in shaping the character of its whiskies.
One of the defining features of Old Pulteney whisky is its distinctive maritime influence. The salty sea air and coastal environment are said to impart unique briny and salty notes to the whisky, making it stand out in the world of Scotch whisky. This maritime character is often described as having a whiff of the sea, which sets Old Pulteney apart from other distilleries.
Old Pulteney offers a range of expressions, including its core range, which consists of various age-stated single malts. Notably, the 12-Year-Old and the 15-Year-Old are celebrated for their well-balanced and complex flavors, often characterized by a harmonious combination of malt sweetness and coastal salinity. The distillery also releases limited-edition and special cask expressions, which are highly sought after by whisky enthusiasts.
The distillery welcomes visitors with tours and tastings, providing them with an opportunity to explore the whisky production process and learn about the unique characteristics of Old Pulteney. The commitment to showcasing the influence of the sea and the heritage of this coastal distillery is central to the visitor experience.
Old Pulteney's dedication to preserving its maritime character and creating high-quality single malt Scotch whisky has earned it a strong reputation in the whisky world. Its coastal influence, distinctive flavor profile, and picturesque location on the edge of the North Sea make it a beloved name among Scotch whisky aficionados and those who appreciate the charm of coastal whiskies.
