Old Pulteney Launches Limited Edition 35 Year Old Single Malt.
Multi award-winning Old Pulteney Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky has added a new, exceptionally rare whisky to its distinguished range, the limited edition Old Pulteney 35 Year Old. Only 450 cases of this outstanding single malt will be rolled out to global markets with a retail price of £500 per bottle.
The embodiment of Pulteney Distillery’s exceptional craftsmanship, this new expression is matured in American ex-bourbon and Spanish ex-sherry casks which have been expertly hand selected by Distillery Manager Malcolm Waring. Each striking 700ml bottle is non-chill filtered at 42.5% ABV. On the palate this full bodied expression is sweet and spicy to start then quickly develops a range of signature Old Pulteney flavours from honey, rum soaked raisins and oranges to the heavier notes of seasoned leather, pralines and a touch of the salty North Sea air. A truly indulgent, perfectly balanced whisky, it has a long slow finish and is light amber in colour.
The eye catching detail and design of the limited edition reflects the brand’s rich maritime heritage, which includes a stunning wooden box with porthole revealing the unique Old Pulteney bottle which carries the classic herring drifter, which has become a symbol of the brand.
Founded in 1826 at the height of Wick’s herring boom, Pulteney Distillery is one of the most Northerly distilleries on the Scottish mainland. It is this unique maritime heritage that gives the whisky its identity as the ‘Maritime Malt’. A long-held favourite tipple for whisky enthusiasts, many say they can taste a faint hint of the sea in Old Pulteney maltsthanks to the Distillery’s windswept location and close proximity to the North Sea.
The launch of the 35 Year Old follows the success of Old Pulteney’s 40 Year Old single malt which was released in 2012, Old Pulteney Senior Brand Manager, Margaret Mary Clarke commented:
“Old Pulteney 35 Year Old is a world class expression and we are delighted to add another high age, limited edition to our existing portfolio.
From its eye catching packaging to its superior taste, the new malt is a true reflection of Old Pulteney’s outstanding quality and craftsmanship. We are confident that it will take its place amongst the best luxury whiskies available today and cement our position as one of the UK’s top ten single malts.”
Change of Gourd at G&M : Gordon & MacPhail MD Michael Urquhart to retire
The Managing Director of renowned single malt whisky specialists Gordon & MacPhail is to retire later this year, it was announced today.
Michael Urquhart will hand over to the Elgin-based firm’s current Chief Operating Officer, Ewen Mackintosh, in September.
Mr Urquhart, a member of the third generation of the Urquhart family which owns Gordon & MacPhail, joined in 1981 as Finance Director after qualifying as a Chartered Accountant.
In 2007, he became joint Managing Director with his brother David. Since 2012 he has been the firm’s sole Managing Director.
Mr Mackintosh, 46, who is from Elgin, has spent his entire career at Gordon & MacPhail after joining as a graduate from St Andrews University.
Mr Urquhart said: “After 33 years – most of my working life – with Gordon & MacPhail, it is time to hand on the reins. It is gratifying to be able to do so at a time of such strong, sustained growth in the company.
“I’m particularly pleased that I will be succeeded by Ewen, who has been an instrumental figure in the company since 1991.
“He was a member of the team which restored Benromach Distillery after we purchased it in 1993 and has looked after our bulk whisky stocks and product quality.
“He is a very safe pair of hands and it will very much be business as usual for Gordon & MacPhail.”
Mr Mackintosh, who was recently made a Master of the Quaich in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the Scotch Whisky industry, said: “It will be a very rare privilege to lead this unique and well-respected company.
“Along with my colleagues I will continue to promote our values of investing in quality for the long-term and look forward to helping Gordon & MacPhail grow and develop.”
Mr Urquhart, who has travelled the world promoting single malt whisky, said he was very proud of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade awarded twice to Gordon & MacPhail, in 2009 and 2013. The company exports to more than 60 countries.
Mr Urquhart was made a Master of the Quaich in 2012 and presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013 by The Whisky Advocate, one of North America’s leading drinks publications.
His daughter Laura is among several members of the fourth generation of the Urquhart family now working for Gordon & MacPhail.
Mr Urquhart, who chairs the Highlands & Islands committee of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI), added: “I will remain active in the community and continue to serve the whisky industry where I can, including remaining on the management committee of the Keepers of the Quaich. I will also be non-executive director of Gordon & MacPhail.”