Poit Dhubh was launched in 1984 but in 1992, 12 year
old Poit Dhubh was introduced without chilfiltering. It quickly became
recognised as a product for the discerning connoisseur. In 1996 the company
launched unchilfiltered Te Bheag, which immediately made a reputation for
itself at the top of the quality market.
Poit Dhubh, pronounced "potch ghoo" and literally
meaning "black pot", is also the gaelic term for an "illicit still" which
traditionally were the source of'some of the
most revered whiskies. We are unwilling either to confirm or deny
that Poit Dhubh comes from an illicit still. It is a fine unchilfiltered malt
at 43%, partly matured in sherry casks with a soft graceful flavour and a trace
of peatiness. It is supplied at 8, 12 and 21 years old and occasionally a
limited edition bottling of 30 years old. Our 12 y.o. and 21 y.o. have been
awarded silver medals at both the International Spirits Challenge and the
International Spirits Competition in 2002 and 2004, with our 8 y.o. taking a
bronze and commendation in both.
Pronounced "chey vek", Te Bheag means "the little
lady" and is the name of the boat in the company's logo. The name also means a
"wee dram" in colloquial Gaelic.
Smooth and slightly peated
from its West Coast origins, this is a connoisseurs' whisky with a high malt
content, aged between 5 and II years old, and a hint of sherry from selected
casks in which it was matured. In I997, this version was awarded a Gold Label
in the International Spirits Challenge Competition in London, followed by a
Gold Medal from Selectione Mondiale in 1998.
To meet the requirements of those who prefer
a lighter blended whisky, still retaining West Coast character, MacNaMara
(literally "son of the sea") was introduced in 1992 and quickly became popular.
Having an advantage in price, it is now our biggest seller, especially in
France.
