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Everything you need to know about Pittyvaich Distillery
Most popular bottles from the distillery
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Pittyvaich 12 Year Old Speyside Whisky Flora & Fauna White Cap£799.99 Inc VAT -
Pittyvaich 20 Year Old Single Malt Whisky 1989 Special Release£489.99 Inc VAT
A brief History
Pittyvaich, Speyside Region, Scotland. Founded in 1971.
Pittyvaich is one of those distilleries that almost feels like it slipped through the cracks. It didn’t run for long, didn’t build a big brand, and never really had its moment in the spotlight. Yet somehow, it’s become quietly interesting—mainly because there’s so little of it around.
Built in 1974 in Dufftown (right in the middle of Speyside), Pittyvaich was set up by Arthur Bell & Sons to support blending demand. It sat next to the much older Dufftown Distillery and was designed to be efficient rather than romantic. No visitor tours, no big storytelling—just production.
And then, just as quickly as it arrived, it was gone. The distillery closed in 1993 and was later demolished. That short lifespan—less than 20 years—means there’s only a limited amount of whisky left in existence.
I always think of Pittyvaich as a bit of a forgotten chapter in Speyside. It wasn’t meant to be famous. But now, because it’s rare, it’s become something people actively look for.
Taste Profile
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 |
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| Malty / Cereal | Fruity | Sweet |
Pittyvaich is known for its soft, malty, and slightly fruity profile. You’ll often find a gentle cereal note at the core, backed up by light orchard fruits like apple and pear. There’s usually a mild sweetness running through it—more honey than sugar—keeping everything balanced.
The finish is typically clean and short, without heavy oak or spice. It’s not a whisky that demands attention, but it’s an easy one to enjoy.
Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
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Apple / Pear |
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Malt / Biscuit / Toast |
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Honey |
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Vanilla |
Popular Pittyvaich Bottles
Because the distillery is closed, releases are limited and often appear as part of special collections:
- Pittyvaich 20 Year Old (Flora & Fauna Series)
One of the most recognisable bottlings. Light, malty, and easy-going. - Pittyvaich 25 Year Old (Special Releases)
A rarer expression with a bit more depth and maturity. - Pittyvaich 30 Year Old (Diageo Special Releases)
Limited and collectible, showing a slightly richer side of the spirit. - Pittyvaich Vintage Single Casks
Occasional independent or official releases from remaining stock.
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The Distillery
The Distiller: Pittyvaich Distillery
Address: Dufftown, Keith AB55 4ER
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Visitor Centre
- Visitor Centre: No
- Tours: Not available
- Status: Closed in 1993, later demolished
There’s nothing to visit today—the site no longer operates.
Ownership & History
Final Owner:
- Diageo
Timeline:
- Founded in 1974 by Arthur Bell & Sons
- Built to support blended whisky production
- Closed in 1993 during industry consolidation
- Later demolished
After Closure:
- Remaining casks were held and released gradually, often as part of Diageo’s special collections
- Never developed as a standalone single malt brand during its operational years
Distillery Facts
Overview & History
Pittyvaich Distillery was located in Dufftown, Speyside, and was founded in 1974 by Arthur Bell & Sons.
It was built during a period of high demand for blended Scotch whisky and was constructed quickly to support blending requirements, particularly for Bell’s blended Scotch.
Despite its relatively modern origins, Pittyvaich had a short operational life. It was mothballed in 1993 and later demolished in 2002, making it one of the more recent closed distilleries in Scotland.
Production
- Spirit Type: Single malt Scotch whisky
- Region: Speyside
- Stills: Copper pot stills
- Cask Policy: Primarily ex-bourbon casks
- Primary Role: Supplying malt whisky for blends
The distillery was designed for efficiency rather than long-term single malt branding.
Whisky Style
Pittyvaich whisky is typically described as:
- Light and delicate
- Fresh malt sweetness
- Orchard fruit (apple, pear)
- Subtle floral notes
- Clean, gentle finish
The profile is classic of a blending-focused Speyside malt.
Key Expressions
- Pittyvaich 12 Year Old (Flora & Fauna) – Main official bottling
- Diageo Special Releases (limited aged expressions)
- Independent bottlings from remaining casks
As a closed distillery, all releases come from finite stocks.
Significance
Pittyvaich is an example of a modern-era lost distillery, built for blending demand and closed when the market declined.
Although it never developed a strong identity as a single malt during its operational years, its rarity today has made it of interest to collectors, particularly through aged special releases.
Pittyvaich Whisky to Buy
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