Distillery
Old Pulteney
Producer of Scottish single malt known as "The Maritime Malt", distilled at Pulteney Distillery in Wick (Caithness). Characterised by a pronounced maritime influence due to proximity to the sea and maturation in coastal warehouses.
- Wick · Highland · United Kingdom
- Since 1826
- 1 product
The story
Pulteney Distillery was founded in 1826 in Pulteneytown, Wick. Throughout the 20th century it experienced closures and reopenings (including a period of halt during local prohibition) and passed through various owners; since 1995 it has been part of the Inver House Distillers group (trading as International Beverage). In recent years the Old Pulteney brand has been developed as a distinct single malt line, with expressions at different ages and limited releases.
Production philosophy
Highlighting the connection with the maritime territory: water, climate and maturation near the sea are considered fundamental elements for the character of the whisky. The company also promotes initiatives related to the protection of marine ecosystems.
Territory
Wick, Caithness, northern Highlands of Scotland; whisky influenced by the maritime climate of the North Sea and by water from Loch Hempriggs.
Production method
Artisanal production of single malt: milling with a historic mill, mash in a semi-lauter tun, fermentation in stainless steel washbacks, distillation in two copper pot stills (wash and spirit) using a worm tub as condenser. Maturation takes place in low-temperature, high-humidity warehouses near the sea.
Distillation
Distillation in copper pot stills (wash and spirit) with condensation via worm tub (coil condenser).
Ageing
Maturation in both traditional dunnage and racked warehouses; the influence of the maritime climate is considered integral to maturation.
Characteristics
- Type
- Distillery
- City
- Wick
- Categories
- whisky
- Scottish single malt
- Highland whisky
- maritime malt
- aged whisky
- Raw materials
- malted barley
- water (Loch Hempriggs)
- Casks and ageing vessels
- American oak
- Spanish oak
- Representative products
- Whisky Old Pulteney 12Y 70cl - Giftbox
- Whisky Old Pulteney 15Y 70cl - Giftbox
- Whisky Old Pulteney 2006 100cl - Giftbox
- Whisky Single Malt Old Pulteney 18Yo 70cl - Boxed - Old Pulteney
- Whisky Single Malt Old Pulteney 25Yo 70cl - Boxed - Old Pulteney
- Whisky Single Malt Old Pulteney Flotilla Vintage 2012 70cl - Boxed - Old Pulteney
- Whisky Single Malt Old Pulteney Huddart 70cl - Boxed - Old Pulteney
What makes it distinctive
- Founded in 1826 in Pulteneytown, Wick
- Known as "The Maritime Malt" for the whisky's maritime character
- Use of water from Loch Hempriggs
- Distillation with worm tub condenser
- Part of the Inver House Distillers group (trading as International Beverage)
- Visitor centre and tours at Huddart Street, Wick
- Indicative annual production of approximately 900,000 litres of single malt