Old Pulteney Coastal Series Pineau Des Charentes, Ex-Bourbon & Pineau des Charentes Cask, 2022, 46%

harbourrambler5 Oct

The honey sweetness and cracked black pepper make a lively contrast, with dark caramel adding a rounder note. That sweet-and-spicy balance is right up my street, and the salty edge keeps the character from feeling too soft.

The light oak feels restrained beside such sweet, salty richness.

afterglow compass3 Sept

The long, smooth finish sounds like the strongest draw, especially the dried fruit and candied orange against subtle coastal saltiness. Sweet and salty together gives it a clear character, and I like that the finish is more than a brief afterthought.

The sweet notes have plenty to say, from honey and stewed fruit to dark caramel, but salt, pepper and coastal minerality keep them from taking over. That push and pull is the appealing part: this sounds rich without being one long sugary chorus. The creamy palate and long finish add weight, while the subtle saltiness leaves room for the fruit and spice to stay distinct. A warmly inviting Highland single malt, with a little welcome seaside restraint.