Pulteney distillery is set to celebrate its 200th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, the distillery is hosting a special event next month and has launched a distillery-exclusive single malt.
Founded in 1826 by James Henderson, the distillery endured a few brief periods of closure over the next century. However, Pulteney has been in continuous production since the 1950s.
Today the distillery is owned by Inver House - a subsidiary of ThaiBev, one of Asia’s biggest drinks producers. With 750,000 bottles sold in 2022, the whisky produced at the distillery is the best selling in Inver House’s portfolio.
Based in Wick on the northern coast of Scotland, the distillery is home to the Old Pulteney brand of Scotch. Pulteney’s location is said to have greatly influenced its whisky over the years, with the coastal climate playing an important role in creating the spirit’s character. Old Pulteney is nicknamed ‘the maritime malt’ for good reason after all.
To give something back to its coastal home, Pulteney will open its doors to locals on 20th June. Those from the Wick community and have a local postcode are invited to join the distillery for their 200th anniversary celebrations.
Guests will be welcomed with a Highball and offered a complimentary 45 minute tour of the distillery. There will also been live music, canapés, and the opportunity to try the distillery exclusive special release.
Distillery manager, Malcolm Waring, explained: “Wick is at the heart of our whisky and we are also very much looking forward to welcoming our neighbours and friends from across the Wick community to our celebrations on the 20th June.
“Few whiskies are so entwined with the place where they’re made as Old Pulteney. We want to ensure that our staff, their families and people from across the town have a chance to come together to toast this very special moment in our shared history.”
Of course, such a significant milestone can't pass by without a special celebratory whisky. To this end, Pulteney has bottled a limited edition ten year old for their 200th anniversary.
Initial maturation in ex-bourbon casks was followed by dual maturation in Manzanilla and Oloroso sherry casks before bottling at 48% ABV. This unique maturation method is a first for the distillery and is said to perfectly capture the distillery’s coastal character.
In terms of flavour, vanilla, spiced fruits and polished oak hit the nose before zesty lemon, cinnamon and salted chocolate come through on the palate. The finish is warming, soft and sweet with maritime salinity.
Sarah Burgess, master of whisky creation at Old Pulteney, tells us more: “In my role, there are three things I always strive for: to create exceptional whiskies, to ensure every drop embodies the true character of our distillery, and to leave behind treasures for future generations to uncover.
“Old Pulteney has long been referred to as the ‘Manzanilla of the North’. Finding whisky laid down by previous generations that had been further matured in ex-Manzanilla casks felt like discovering a hidden gift within our warehouses.
“The gentle salinity offered by these casks, enriched by the depth of further refinement in ex-oloroso casks, has created a whisky that beautifully marries sweetness with our unmistakable coastal character.”
Old Pulteney 10 Year Old 200th Anniversary Distillery Exclusive is available now from the distillery and through the bands website for £99.
