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A single malt distilled in one of Scotland's most remote distilleries has been named the world's best whisky by a leading expert.

Old Pulteney was crowned World Whisky of the Year in Jim Murray's 2012 Whisky Bible.

The 21-year-old single malt scored a record-equalling 97.5 points out of 100.

The whisky is matured in American oak casks and bottled at the Pulteney distillery in Wick, Caithness.

Whisky expert Mr Murray tasted more than 1,200 new drams before deciding on the winner.

He said: "The 21-year-old Old Pulteney absolutely exploded from the glass with vitality, charisma and class.

"Pulteney doesn't have the financial muscle of the major whisky barons to market its malts on the global stage.

"I hope that this award helps one of Scotland's great unsung distilleries to become discovered around the world."

Pulteney has a chequered past in the Caithness town.

New temperance laws saw the parish of Wick vote to end the public sale of alcohol in 1922, a ban that stayed in place for 25 years.

Faced with falling demand, Pulteney closed in 1930 - but reopened in 1951 after prohibition was overturned in a further vote.

A Pulteney spokesman said: "We are absolutely delighted to have won this award. It is a tribute to the traditional craftsmanship we have honed over the centuries and also to the unique character that the town lends to our whisky."

US bourbons took the two runners-up places in the Whisky Bible awards.

George T Stagg was named second best while 10-year-old Parker's Heritage Collection Wheated Mash Bill picked up third.