Old Pulteney 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
ABV: 46% | Origin: Highlands (Coastal), Scotland | Size: 70cl

Old Pulteney 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a rich and complex expression from the coastal distillery, known for its maritime influence. Aged for 16 years in a combination of American oak and Spanish oak casks, it offers a beautiful blend of dried fruits, honey, and gentle spices. On the palate, it reveals flavors of soft caramel, vanilla, and citrus, with a subtle sea salt character that adds depth and balance. The finish is long and warming, with a touch of oak and a soft maritime essence. This whisky is ideal for those who enjoy a refined, mature dram with both complexity and smoothness.

Tasting Profile

• Color: Rich amber with copper highlights.
• Nose: Complex maritime character with sea spray and coastal breeze. Sweet honey, vanilla, and ripe pears balanced with spicy notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. Subtle sherry influence brings dried fruits, chocolate, and a hint of orange zest.
• Palate: Full-bodied and well-rounded with initial sweetness of caramel, toffee, and orchard fruits. The maritime saltiness complements rich notes of dark chocolate, raisins, and Christmas cake. Underlying oak spice and hints of cocoa create exceptional depth.
• Finish: Long and satisfying with lingering sea salt, warming spice, and sweet sherry notes that evolve beautifully.

Production Details

• Maturation: Aged for 16 years in a combination of ex-bourbon barrels and ex-Oloroso sherry casks, offering greater sherry influence than the 15-year expression.
• Non-chill filtered: Bottled without chill filtration to preserve the whisky's natural character and mouthfeel.
• Natural color: No artificial coloring added.
• Maritime influence: The distillery's proximity to the North Sea imparts distinctive coastal characteristics.

Perfect For

• Single malt enthusiasts who appreciate sherried coastal whiskies.
• Those who enjoy Old Pulteney but seek additional richness and sherry influence.
• Whisky connoisseurs looking for a complex and well-balanced Highland expression.
• Special occasions that call for a distinguished yet approachable dram.

Expert Notes

• "Old Pulteney 16 Year Old masterfully combines the distillery's signature maritime character with enhanced sherry influence, creating a remarkably balanced and complex whisky that showcases the best of coastal Highland maturation."

Serving Suggestions

• Neat: Best enjoyed in a tulip-shaped glass to concentrate the complex aromas.
• With water: A few drops of water can open up additional layers of flavor.
• Food Pairing: Pairs excellently with dark chocolate, rich desserts, blue cheese, or smoked seafood.

Interesting Facts

• Old Pulteney Distillery is located in the fishing town of Wick and is the most northerly distillery on the Scottish mainland.
• The distillery's unique pot stills have no swan necks and a bulbous base, contributing to the whisky's distinctive character.
• The 16 Year Old offers a unique profile in the core range, positioned between the lighter 15 Year Old and the more intense 18 Year Old expressions.

Distillery

• Old Pulteney Distillery – Established in 1826 during the height of Wick's herring fishing industry.
• Location: Situated in the coastal town of Wick in Caithness, exposed to the harsh North Sea elements.
• Heritage: Has a strong maritime heritage that influences both the whisky's character and the brand's identity.
• Notable Characteristic: Known as "The Maritime Malt" due to its distinctive coastal character and the influence of sea air on maturation.