Pentland the Highland Whisky Liqueur That Doesn't Play by the Rules
There are, broadly speaking, two types of whisky drinker. The first is the purist, the sort who winces if you so much as glance at an ice cube within a three-metre radius of their Glencairn glass. The second is the adventurer, the one who reckons whisky should be enjoyed, not worshipped, and who has never once uttered the phrase 'you're ruining it' at a dinner party.
If you're the latter (or, frankly, even if you're the former and simply too polite to admit you fancy something a touch sweeter after supper), allow us to introduce Pentland, a brand-new Scotch whisky liqueur from the award-winning Wolfburn Distillery, perched on the wild northern coast of Scotland in Thurso, Caithness.
What Exactly Is Pentland?
Pentland is a premium whisky liqueur crafted from aged Wolfburn single malt Scotch whisky and all-natural ingredients. Bottled at a civilised 26% ABV, it is non-chill filtered and entirely free from artificial colour. In short: what you see is what you get, and what you get is rather magnificent.
The nose opens with sweet bourbon notes layered over caramel, toffee, and rather unexpectedly, pistachio. On the palate, think Christmas cake meeting toffee apples at a particularly good party, with a splash of Madeira wine turning up fashionably late. The finish is long, sweet, and autumnal, with vanilla gently fading like the last light over the Pentland Firth.
Why Pentland Stands Apart
The whisky liqueur market has long been dominated by the old guard. Drambuie and Glayva have earned their places on the back bar, and rightly so, they've been doing their thing since before most of us were born. But the category has been quietly waiting for something new. Something with proper single malt credentials and a contemporary edge.
Pentland arrives with both. Wolfburn is one of Scotland's most exciting independent distilleries, fiercely independent, sustainably minded, and already laden with international awards including recognition at the IWSC, the World Whiskies Awards, and the San Francisco Spirits Competition. Every drop of Pentland begins its life in Wolfburn's copper pot stills before being matured in traditional dunnage warehouses set beside the sea. The water is drawn from the Wolf Burn itself, a crystal-clear spring naturally filtered through ancient Caithness stone.
How to Enjoy It
Pentland is a versatile creature. Served neat, it makes for a splendid digestif, the sort of thing you nurse by the fire while pretending to read a very serious book. Over ice, the flavours open up beautifully, revealing layers of stone fruit and cream. And for those who enjoy a spot of cocktail theatre, Pentland makes a brilliant base for a reimagined Old Fashioned or a luxurious whisky sour with a Scottish twist.
We'd also humbly suggest pouring it into a good, strong coffee. No, really. The creamy sweetness plays off the bitterness of the coffee with a chemistry that borders on romantic.
The Details
Pentland Single Malt Scotch Whisky Liqueur is available on Monday at 12pm for £29.99 for a 50cl bottle, directly from the Wolfburn Distillery website and selected retailers. It's the kind of bottle that looks handsome on a shelf, even better in a glass, and positively outstanding when someone asks, 'What are we drinking tonight?' and you get to say: 'Something rather special, actually.'