Few single-malt Scotch whiskies are as connected with maritime history as Old Pulteney, which was founded in the port city of Wick during the height of the herring boom in 1826, years before road links to the town were established.

The recently-released Old Pulteney 21-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($130) is among the finest spirits on the market today, with an aroma of leather and canvas, flavors of caramel and vanilla, and a blissfully long finish. Close your eyes and you can even taste a salty sea breeze in there, but fortunately, no herring.