Old Pulteney Huddart is a Scotch single malt whisky from the Pulteney distillery in Wick, in the northern Highlands, distinguished by a gentle, smoky character imparted by casks that previously held peated whisky. Huddart was introduced in 2018 as one of four expressions in the brand's refreshed range. The name comes from the street on which the Pulteney distillery stands in Wick, in Scotland's far north.
The distillery was founded in a town that, during the herring boom era, was one of the principal fishing centres. The copper stills used here are unusual, exceptionally short and squat, known as Anaconda Stills. These short, stubby stills create a heavier distillate with oily notes and a maritime character. This is a no age statement (NAS) expression bottled at 46%.
Maturation relies exclusively on American oak. Huddart matures first in second-fill bourbon casks, then undergoes further maturation in casks that previously held peated whisky, which add a light smokiness. The whisky contains no peated malt; it is merely finished in casks previously used for peated whisky, and the distillery sources these casks from specific plants which it does not disclose.
The aromatic profile is dominated by a combination of maritime freshness and gentle smoke. The nose is full and warming, opening with soft wood smoke, honey and oily leather, before developing into crisp green apple, with creamy vanilla and a hint of burnt toffee in the background. On the palate, freshly ground spices and soft vanilla balance notes of smoke and peat fire, while sweet and distinctly salty, maritime flavours reminiscent of salted caramel emerge in the background. The peat is delicate, mild and coastal, the texture creamy, and the 46% strength lends a light, pleasant level of spice, with a touch of salt, sweet citrus and notes of charred wood. The finish is medium and dry, full of spicy notes.