Distillery
Old Pulteney is a Scottish whiskey distillery located in Wick, on the north coast of the Highlands. It was founded in 1826 by James Henderson, who moved whiskey production from nearby Stemster. The distillery is located in Pulteneytown, which was born out of the boom in the herring trade in the late 18th century. At the time, Wick was the largest center of the herring trade in Europe, which greatly contributed to the rapid growth of the town.
After the Prohibition period in Wick (1922-1947) and several changes of ownership, the distillery was acquired in 1995 by Inver House Distillers , which renovated the distillery and launched the Old Pulteney brand. Old Pulteney whiskey is often referred to as "sea whisky", thanks to the characteristic salty and marine notes that the distillate acquires due to its proximity to the sea.
In addition to the popular 12-year-old bottling, Old Pulteney is also famous for its 21-year-old bottling, which in 2012 won the title "World Whiskey of the Year" in Jim Murray's Whiskey Bible.
Bottle
Old Pulteney Aged 21 Years is a single malt whisky that has gained worldwide recognition, including being named "World Whisky of the Year 2012" by Jim Murray's Whisky Bible. This whisky has been matured in a combination of bourbon casks and first-fill Oloroso sherry casks, resulting in a complex profile with earthy and fruity notes. To preserve its authenticity, it has not undergone chill filtration and remains free from added coloring.
Nose: Delicate with notes of sherry, sweet hints of toffee, vanilla, and a light touch of sea air. Floral and grain notes add harmony to the overall bouquet.
Taste: Distinctly spicy with notes of oak, fruit, and cereal, complemented by caramel and biscuit tones. Adding water reveals subtler layers, such as buttery notes and hints of sweetness.
Finish: Medium length with spicy notes, subtle oak, and fruit accents, rounding off a balanced tasting experience.
This whisky is celebrated for its harmony of sweetness and spiciness, making it a popular choice among whisky enthusiasts worldwide.