Introduction to Old Pulteney

The Pulteney distillery was established in 1826 in the name of Sir William Pulteney (who died in 1805), and after whom Pulteneytown is named. The distillery was the most northerly on the Scottish mainland (the honour has been usurped by Wolfburn Distillery near Thurso) and was quite inaccessible, except by sea, when established. Barley was brought in by sea, and the whisky was shipped out the same way. Many of the distillery workers were also employed as fishermen. The herring fishing industry is no longer part of daily life in Wick but the distillery continues to operate, producing a Highland single malt with a reputation as one of the finest available. Characteristics of the whisky are attributed to exposure to sea air during maturation.

The distillery was sold to John Dewar & Sons in 1924. Dewars join Distillers Company (DLC) in 1925. The distillery closed in 1930 due to declining trade after the local parish enforced prohibition laws but re-opened in 1951 when the vote was rescinded after the law was abolished.

In 1954, Hiram Walker & Sons bought Pulteney and in 1961 sold it to Allied Breweries. In 1995, Allied sold Pulteney to Inver House Distillers.

In July 2023, the distillery released its oldest whisky to date, the 45-year-old "Old Pulteney Bow Wave".

Tasting Notes for Old Pulteney 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Nose: A medley of dried fruits, beeswax and shortbread on the nose, along with the distillery's trademark notes of brine and salted crackers, sherry boosts the richness here.

Palate: Mouth filling, beautifully balanced flavours merge dried oranges, citrus oils and biscuity malt with coastal character and faint smokiness; Muted peppers, delicate beeswax, poached pears and cinnamon round out the finish with a breezy tang.

Finish: long, perfectly balanced, with some roasted nuts and crystallised oranges.

Overall: A great addition to the range. Certainly one for the collection.