Old Pulteney
Old Pulteney is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky produced at Pulteney Distillery in Wick, a coastal town in the far north of Scotland. Founded in 1826, it is one of the northernmost mainland distilleries in Scotland and draws heavily on its seafaring heritage, often referred to as 'the Maritime Malt.'
The whisky is known for a distinctive coastal character, with expressions frequently displaying briny, salty notes alongside honeyed sweetness. The range spans a variety of age statements and cask finishes, offering approachable entry points as well as older, more complex bottlings for collectors and enthusiasts.
Old Pulteney is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky produced at Pulteney Distillery in Wick, a coastal town in the far north of Scotland.
Read more about Old Pulteney
Old Pulteney is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky produced at Pulteney Distillery in Wick, a coastal town in the far north of Scotland. Founded in 1826, it is one of the northernmost mainland distilleries in Scotland and draws heavily on its seafaring heritage, often referred to as 'the Maritime Malt.'
The whisky is known for a distinctive coastal character, with expressions frequently displaying briny, salty notes alongside honeyed sweetness. The range spans a variety of age statements and cask finishes, offering approachable entry points as well as older, more complex bottlings for collectors and enthusiasts.
History and Origins
Pulteney Distillery was established in 1826 in Wick, a town in Caithness that was historically a major herring fishing port. The distillery and surrounding area take their name from Sir William Pulteney, a figure associated with the town's development, and the location's fishing history is central to the brand's identity and marketing.
The distillery has operated through periods of closure and revival common to the Scotch whisky industry, including temporary shutdowns tied to prohibition-era local restrictions in Wick and broader industry downturns. It later became part of Inver House Distillers, and Old Pulteney was subsequently developed and expanded as a flagship single malt brand.
Its remote northern location and coastal setting are emphasized as key influences on the whisky's maritime style, with the sea air and location said to shape its character during maturation.
Production and House Style
Old Pulteney is a single malt, meaning it is produced entirely at Pulteney Distillery from malted barley. The distillery is notable for its distinctively shaped stills, whose design contributes to the spirit's character. Maturation takes place in a mix of cask types, commonly including American oak ex-bourbon barrels and ex-sherry casks depending on the expression.
The signature house style leans toward a coastal, briny profile balanced with sweetness. Tasting notes across the range often mention sea salt, honey, vanilla, dried fruit, and a touch of spice, with sherry-influenced bottlings showing richer, fruitier depth.
The Range and What to Expect
Old Pulteney's core lineup has historically centered on age-stated single malts, with the 12 Year Old serving as a widely available flagship bottling. The range has included other age statements and cask-finished releases over the years, giving buyers options across different price points and flavor intensities.
Younger and entry-level expressions tend to be approachable, lighter, and good for everyday sipping or highballs, while sherry-cask and older releases offer greater complexity for slow enjoyment. Availability of specific expressions can vary by market and over time, so the current selection on this page reflects what is in stock.
When buying, consider whether you prefer the drier, saltier ex-bourbon style or the richer sherry-influenced bottlings. Age statements generally indicate the youngest whisky in the bottle, and higher-age releases typically command higher prices.