Did
you know that there isn't enough barley grown in Scotland
to meet the requirements of the scotch producing industries
much less let anyone in Scotland actually eat any of that
barley? So if you're in Scotland and you're hungry for a bowl
of barley soup you are just plum out of luck. Barley is routinely
purchased from England, other parts of Europe and even Canada.
It has been common practice for Scotland's whisky distillers
to import barley since the 19th century.
The
Pulteney distillery is located in Wick which is about as far
north as you can go in Scotland. It was founded by James Henderson
in 1826 and named after Sir William Johnstone Pulteney, then
Governor of British Fisheries. That bit of information becomes
important when you realize that back then the town of Wick
was at the center of a "herring boom" becoming the
largest and wealthiest fishing port in Europe.
The
oddly shaped bottle this scotch comes in actually reflects
the unique shape of the famous Pulteney distillery wash still.
The 12 year old scotch inside is a translucent honey colored
copper/amber no doubt from ageing in ex-bourbon casks. The
nose is light and airy with a touch of sea salt and green
apples and just a hint of oak and is well balanced. The palate
is also slightly salty with a touch of oak, caramel, vanilla
and honey and even a hint of peat. The finish is medium in
length, just slightly spicy and leaves an oaky, smoky, fruity
taste in the mouth.
I like it; it is complex without being overly complicated.
The flavors are distinct yet blended well together. I especially
like the salty notes.
Whenever
I seek a scotch I look for one that has that touch of saltiness,
it's actually one of my favorite things about scotch and I
miss it when it's not there. The smoky peat flavor is there
but hangs in the background and adds just the right touch
to the overall blend of flavors. I appreciate the fact that
the oakiness doesn't dominate but adds the right amount of
complimentary taste. Looks like they got this spirit down
just about right. Pick up a bottle and give it a go, I think
you'll like it!
Old
Pulteney single malt scotch whiskey retails for $45.00 but
can also be found for around $34.90 per 750ML bottle and is
86 proof or 43% ABV.
By George Brozowski
For
more Rants & Raves click
here.
http://www.oldpulteney.com/
