A 30-year-old single malt from Pittyvaich, a Dufftown distillery that closed in 1993 and has since been demolished. Distilled in 1989 and bottled for Diageo's 2020 Special Releases at a natural cask strength of 50.8% ABV, it was the one closed-distillery whisky in that year's line-up.
About This Whisky
This release comes from a 1989 vintage, filled only four years before the stills went cold. It was the first Pittyvaich ever finished in first-fill ex-bourbon casks, a choice that brings extra vanilla and sweetness to the distillery's light, creamy and fruity spirit. It was part of the 2020 Special Releases, themed Rare by Nature, and the outturn was 7,056 bottles. Bottled without chill filtration.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Sweet oak and dried flowers, with ripe peach, pear and a creamy vanilla note.
- Palate: Soft and silky, with honey, vanilla custard and orchard fruit, then a gently drying turn.
- Finish: Warm and fairly long, with white pepper, toasted cereal and a final sweet flourish.
Serving & Food
Pour a modest measure at room temperature into a nosing glass and let it rest for a while before the first sip. A little water brings out more fruit. Afterwards, try it with a pear tart, mild washed-rind cheese or shortbread.
How to Enjoy
Drinkers who want to taste a vanished Speyside distillery at full maturity, or a 1989 vintage bottle to mark a special year.
Product Details
Distillery: Pittyvaich (closed 1993)
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Series: Diageo Special Releases 2020
Distilled: 1989
Age: 30 years old
Cask: Finished in first-fill ex-bourbon casks
Outturn: 7,056 bottles
ABV: 50.8%
Volume: 700mL
About the Distillery
Pittyvaich was a young distillery by Scottish standards. Arthur Bell & Sons built it in the mid-1970s right next to its Dufftown distillery, to supply extra malt for the Bell's blend, and the two sites effectively ran as a pair. The plant drew its water from springs at Bailliemore and Convalleys. Its spirit went almost entirely to blending; a distillery bottling only appeared in 1991, and before that the independent bottlers had it to themselves. Production stopped in 1993, the buildings were pulled down in 2002, and only the bonded warehouses remain on the site today.