For a long time, Aultmore was a hidden secret. Used in Dewar’s blends since at least 1923, the distillery’s single malt whisky was largely only available to distillery workers and local residents. These insiders nicknamed it “a nip of the Buckie road”, as Aultmore is found in an isolated spot on the highway between Keith and the Moray fishing village of Buckie.

One of the most highly prized blending malts, it is said that when Bacardi were in talks to buy Dewar’s from Diageo, they were ready to abandon the deal if Aultmore wasn’t included. This is not to say it does not shine as a single malt – in fact, Aultmore’s emphasis on long ferments and reflux during distillation create a rather unique whisky.

These days, we’re all able to enjoy the best that the Buckie road has to offer, and this 12 year old is a terrific introduction to the distillery’s juice.