During the nineteenth century, the town of Wick was the herring fishing capital of Europe and as many as 1,000 boats used the port. Indeed, Pulteneytown, the area of Wick south of the river, was built for this purpose in 1810 by its namesake, Sir William Pulteney. The Pulteney distillery itself was founded by James Hendersen in 1826. Lying close to the coast to the south of Wick, the distillery was only accessible by sea and to this day remains Scotland’s northernmost mainland distillery. The whisky was exported on boats and barley was shipped in and its maritime traditions were such that distillery workers also moonlighted as fishermen.
Pulteney operated under Buchanan-Dewar, who became part of Distillers Company Limited in 1925. Five years later the stills of Pulteney fell silent. It was not before two decades had passed, that production restarted, following Robert Cumming’s acquisition in 1951. Allied Breweries purchased the distillery along with parent company James & George Stodart Ltd in 1961.
Following the acquisition of Pedro Domecq, Allied sold the Pulteney whisky distillery to Inver House Distillers who remain the owners, though since 2006 they have been under Thai Beverage control. The distillery is relatively small with a capacity of just one million litres annually. Single malt whisky is bottled under the name Old Pulteney and there have been both official and independent releases over the years.
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All dressed up in an appropriately coastal shade of blue, it’s Old Pulteney 10 Year Old! The maritime single malt spent its decade of ageing in second fill American oak bourbon barrels, and was then bottled at 40% ABV. As always, there’s just a hint of seaside salinity amid the creamier notes from the cask.
The 12 year old expression from Old Pulteney released in mid-2018 was entirely aged in bourbon casks, resulting in a heavy influence of bourbon sweetness – which helps to balance the characteristic coastal salinity of the whisky. An excellent introduction to Old Pulteney (though well worth a look even if you’ve already been introduced).
A 16 Year Old bottling of Old Pulteney which has been treated to a double maturation! Having been aged in both American oak bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry-seasoned Spanish oak casks, the fruity and spicy nature of the casks compliment the maritime malt very well.
Old Pulteney 2006 Vintage is matured next to the sea in first-fill American oak ex-bourbon casks. This polished copper single malt entices with its elegant spicy vanilla and energetic melting toffee aromas.
The 2019 bottling in this popular series of vintage whiskies from Old Pulteney.
Initially a travel retail exclusive, this whisky has been aged in first-fill American oak former Bourbon casks, which showcases Pulteney’s classic North Highland maritime style.
The spirit has enjoyed a 12 year maturation, developing a good level of complexity and depth. Old Pulteney 2006 offers up notes of vanilla, subtle spice, sea spray, oak, hay, pears, apples, malt, a little chopped herb, slight earth, flowers, mint, cream and some exotic fruit notes (pineapple, mango).
The dram is bottled at 46% ABV and without chill filtration or artificial colouration, ensuring a richness of flavour and mouthfeel.
Another top quality offering from this consistently reliable distillery.
A stunningly old Old Pulteney, distilled on the Caithness coast. It was initially aged in American oak, followed by a period in Spanish oak butts which previously held Oloroso sherry. The single malt, aged for a quarter of a century, is full of spicy sweetness.
Category Single Malt
Distillery Pulteney
Bottler Distillery Bottling
Bottling series The Maritime Malt
Bottled 2017
Stated Age 25 years
Cask Type American Oak + Oloroso Sherry
Strength 46.0 %
What’s that we spy off the starboard side? It’s a new single malt whisky from Old Pulteney! The Navigator is a maritime malt aged in a mix of ex-sherry and bourbon casks in celebration of the distillery’s history with the ocean and the old sea dogs that sail it.
The Old Pulteney pipette made by Iceberg Glass, Loch Ness. This measures approximately 20.5cm x 2.5cm.
Tasting Notes
Colour: Deep amber gold.
Nose: Blackberry notes, gentle cinnamon spice and sweet stewed fruit.
Palate: Dark dried fruits and berries, with walnut, toffee apple and rich sherried warmth.
Finish: Powerful and slightly tart, with raspberry, liquorice and firm tannins.
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