Old Pulteney Distillery

James Henderson founded Old Pulteney Distillery in 1826 in Wick, Caithness, located in the northern Highlands of Scotland. Known as the “Maritime Malt,” its coastal location imparts distinct salty and briny notes to the whisky. The maturation process in sea-exposed warehouses contributes to these unique flavors.

The distillery operates with a pair of copper stills, each uniquely shaped to influence the whisky’s character. The wash still, with its distinctive boiling ball, inspires the design of the Old Pulteney bottle. After distillation, the spirit condenses in traditional worm tubs, enhancing its complexity. Old Pulteney uses American and Spanish oak casks for maturation, adding richness and variety to the whisky’s flavor profile.

Old Pulteney has faced challenges, including a closure during Prohibition in Wick from 1930 to 1947. After reopening, the distillery underwent significant refurbishments and ownership changes. Today, Inver House Distillers owns it, producing around 900,000 liters of single malt whisky annually. The core range includes the renowned Old Pulteney 12-Year-Old and older expressions like the 17-Year-Old, 21-Year-Old, and limited editions such as the 25-Year-Old.