Old Pulteney 12 Year Old

Environmentalist at Pulteney! They actually have a project going in which the excess heat of the production process is used to heat some 270 local homes. How about that? And next to the distillery is a small factory that processes up to 30.000 tonnes of wood into green electricity.

Old Pulteney 12 Year Old is their best known expressions, selling about 600.000 bottles a year (half of which are exported). It is non-chillfiltered and uncoloured, matured on bourbon barrels.

You might almost confuse it for a fine Islay because of the light peatiness. But it is so sweet, with honey and flowers.

On the palate, nothing but caramel - again with light peat - with chunky malt and citrus and a tad of sea salt. Surprisingly nice.

The finish, nice and long, offers more saltiness. The dram dies in the arms of bitter chocolate.

I didn't know Old Pulteney before I got a taste at my favourite whisky restaurant last weekend, but to be honest, I feel this dram is essential for every cabinet.

Fortunately, it is readily available and costs only about 25 pounds.

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