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Everything you need to know about Old Pulteney Distillery
Most popular bottles from the distillery
A brief History
Old Pulteney, Highlands Region, Scotland. Founded in 1826.
Old Pulteney Distillery sits in the coastal town of Wick in Caithness, right at the northern edge of mainland Scotland. Founded in 1826 by James Henderson, the distillery quickly became part of the busy fishing port community. At the time, Wick was one of Europe’s largest herring fishing centres, and whisky from the distillery became closely tied to the town’s maritime life.
The distillery’s location next to the North Sea has shaped the character of its whisky. Over the years, Old Pulteney gained the nickname “The Maritime Malt”, reflecting the salty air and coastal conditions that influence the maturation warehouses.
Although the distillery has gone through periods of closure and ownership changes, it remains one of the northernmost whisky producers on the Scottish mainland. Today Old Pulteney is known for producing classic Highland single malt whisky with a distinctive coastal character.
Taste Profile
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Oaky / Woody |
Fruity | Brinyy / Maritime |
Old Pulteney whiskies often show a fresh fruit character combined with a distinctive coastal influence. Notes of apple and citrus appear alongside honey sweetness and gentle oak.
The maritime environment around Wick can add subtle hints of sea salt and briny freshness, which gives the whisky its well-known “maritime malt” identity. The result is a balanced whisky that feels both crisp and slightly coastal.
Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
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Apple / Pear |
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Citrus (Lemon / Orange Zest) |
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Honey |
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Brine / Sea Salt |
Most Popular Bottles
Old Pulteney 12 Year Old
The classic expression, known for its balance of fruit, honey, and maritime character.
Old Pulteney 15 Year Old
Richer and slightly more complex with deeper oak influence.
Old Pulteney 18 Year Old
A more mature whisky showing dried fruit, spice, and long oak finish.
Old Pulteney Huddart
A lightly peated expression matured in ex-bourbon and smoky casks.
These bottlings form the core range of the distillery.
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The Distillery
The Distiller: Old Pulteney Distillery
Address: Huddart Street, Wick, Caithness, KW1 5BA, Scotland
 Open in Maps |
 www.oldpulteney.com |
 +44 (0)1955 602371 |
Visitor Centre & Opening Times
Yes — Old Pulteney has a visitor centre offering tours and tastings.
Typical opening hours
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Monday – Saturday
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Around 10:00 – 16:00
Opening hours may vary depending on the season.
Ownership History
Founder
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James Henderson (1826)
Later Ownership
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James Watson & Co
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Allied Distillers
Current Owner
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Inver House Distillers (part of International Beverage Holdings)
The distillery remains an important producer of Highland single malt whisky.
Distillery Facts
Overview & History
Old Pulteney Distillery is located in Wick, in the far north of Scotland in the Highland region. It was founded in 1826 by James Henderson during a period when Wick was one of Europe’s busiest herring fishing ports.
Because of its location in the harbour district, the distillery historically relied on sea transport to ship whisky and receive supplies. This maritime setting strongly influenced the character and branding of the whisky, which is often referred to as “The Maritime Malt.”
Today the distillery is owned by International Beverage, part of the ThaiBev group.
Production
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Spirit Type: Single malt Scotch whisky
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Region: Highlands (Northern Highlands)
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Stills: Two distinctive copper pot stills with shortened necks
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Water Source: Loch Hempriggs
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Cask Policy: Primarily ex-bourbon barrels with some sherry casks
The stills at Old Pulteney have unusual shapes because their necks were historically shortened to fit inside the still house roof.
Whisky Style
Old Pulteney is known for a distinctive coastal profile:
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Medium-bodied malt
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Honey and vanilla sweetness
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Fresh orchard fruit
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Light salt and maritime notes
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Gentle spice and oak
The whisky often carries a subtle briny character reflecting its coastal maturation environment.
Key Expressions
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Old Pulteney 12 Year Old – Classic expression and widely available
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Old Pulteney 15 Year Old – Combination of bourbon and sherry casks
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Old Pulteney 18 Year Old – Richer and more complex maturation
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Old Pulteney Huddart – Lightly peated expression
Older limited releases and vintage bottlings are also occasionally produced.
Significance
Old Pulteney is one of the most northerly distilleries on the Scottish mainland and has long been associated with Wick’s maritime heritage.
Its distinctive coastal character and traditional production methods have made it one of the more recognisable Highland single malts, particularly among whisky drinkers interested in maritime-influenced Scotch styles.
Old Pulteney Whisky to Buy
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Old Pulteney 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch WhiskySpecial Price £34.98 Regular Price £84.99 Inc VATSaving £50.01
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Carefully Packed
& Protected
Every bottle is securely packed to ensure it arrives safely.
Free UK Delivery
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Secure delivery across the UK. Excludes Highlands & Islands.
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