Old Pulteney Coastal Series: Pineau des Charentes

(Good Spirits Co. Glasgow – Virtual Whisky Tasting, 19 November 2022). Nose: Honey, creamy, vanilla, orange Palate: Sweet, nutty, toffee apple, salt/saline, stewed apple, white dessert wine, raisins, heather honey, cinnamon, salted caramel. Finish: Medium long finish. Sweet, toffee/caramel, currants, lightly spicy, salty. Aftertaste has hints of menthol. Creamy mouthfeel. This is a very sweet and salty dram. Loads of grape juice and honey, with a tangy menthol on the aftertaste. This is a tasty, sweet and layered whisky. A nicely complex dram. Came joint last out of the six drams, with 0% of the final vote for favourite of the night. 48% of those present said they enjoyed the whisky.

An inviting slightly briny nose with familiar peatiness leading the charge. On the palate, the Pineau des Charentes becomes apparent, lending a mildly fruity penumbra on the tongue. This grape character retains its appearance over the long journey towards the fade. But the whisky itself is never far away. In fact, it provides a broad canvas upon which the secondary aging character hovers above. This is a unique and innovative expression that leans solidly in the dessert style of Scotches. Lovely, fruity and memorable.

Nose: Sweet dried green fruits like sultanas. Some subtle saltiness. Palate: Slightly thick. Light stone fruits with some additional caramelly sweetness. A wave of peppery spice follows but it's balanced against the sweetness. Finish: Drying with a flavour of a salt water dampened oak stave.