Whisky World

PULTENEY distillery has announced its rarest and oldest whisky ever.

- With Richard Elias

The Old Pulteney Polaris is crafted from spirit that spent four decades maturing in American oak ex-bourbon barrels before resting for a further seven years in a single first-fill Spanish oak butt, this unique single malt is 47 years old and presented in a stunning 1.5 litre decanter.

Only one bottle has been created and it will be dedicated to the Wick-based Distillers One of One Auction later this year, where it is expected to fetch upwards of £40k. Whoever is successful in the bidding will have the chance to try it, as the lot comes with a 100ml sample bottle.

Proceeds from the auction will go to the Distiller's Charity's Youth Action Fund, which supports young people from disadvantaged backgrounds across Scotland.

To mark the event, the makers wanted a highly unusual, eye-catching decanter and asked Tain-based glass merchant, Glasstorm to produce it.

Their work has been influenced by the "tempestuous waters" of the North Sea inspiring them to create a ripple-effect decanter reminiscent of waves. The outer casing was designed by local jeweller Lucy Woodley, with nature again behind the design.