Old Pulteney is called the “Maritime Malt” and lies in the town of Wick, the northernmost distillery on the mainland of Scotland. Founded in 1826, the distillery was remote enough early on to rely on the sea for the movement of its whisky. Named after the local founder of the Pulteneytown area of Wick, Sir William Pulteney, The distillery closed in 1930 for around 20 years but has been in production ever since, often with a revolving selection of award-winning single malts. The popular 21 year expression was discontinued recently and a new core range was introduced. This Old Pulteney 13 Year offering is a single cask selection made by Ace Spirits.
Auchentoshan American Oak
The Lowland region of Scotland makes the Campbeltown region look crowded with distilleries. While encompassing a large area on the map, this region is only home to a few operating distilleries. This may be due to a large portion of the population being located in the south and thus not suitable for distilleries, as they need rather pure ingredients. That being said, the few distilleries that are there are doing well and making an effort in the market. Auchentoshan in particular has garnered positive reviews and offers a respectable stable of offerings, both in their regular and special editions. Their main range has a respectable 12, 18 and 21 year old, plus a triple wood and this American Oak, aged in first-fill American bourbon oak casks. We reviewed the Auchentoshan Classic but felt this distillery deserved more attention.