Pittyvaich was only open between 1975 and 1993 so it’s not really surprising bottlings are rarely seen. Apparently Pittyvaich had shorter fermentation times than other distilleries, and the stills were run a bit stronger, giving a ‘more flavoursome’ spirit.
The 2015 Special Releases contained this Pittyvaich 25 Year Old 1989, matured in refill American oak hogsheads and ex-bourbon barrels.
Pittyvaich 25 yo 1989 (49,9%, OB 2015, Special release, 5922 btl.)
Pittyvaich 25 yo 1989 (49,9%, OB 2015, Special release, 5922 btl.)Nose: quite syrupy with almond milk and hints of wax and floral overtones. Honeysuckle, grapes, vanilla icing and a few drops of lemon. Also mineral notes, wet gravel. Mesquite or pine wood. Green mango. Then back to cereals and hay. A bit funny, but quite good.
Mouth: sweet and floral again. Together with the lemon zest and pine needles this gives a certain air refresher character, but not in a bad way. Grass and herbs. Malty notes. Subtle fruity notes (plums, melons).
Finish: quite long, with malt, pepper, lemon and mint.
A quirky malt, fairly neutral and the notes that do stand out are not entirely convincing. Not really my style but nice being able to try what’s left of this demolished distillery. Around € 300.
Score: 83/100