Old Pulteney Distillery

Old Pulteney is Scotland's most northerly mainland distillery, sitting in the Pulteneytown district of Wick – a town built in the early 19th century as a purpose-built herring fishing port. The distillery's maritime character is unmistakable: a briny, salty edge that reflects its coastal setting. Old Pulteney has earned the nickname 'The Maritime Malt' and sits on the North Coast 500 route.

History

James Henderson established the distillery in 1826 in Pulteneytown, the planned fishing village designed by Thomas Telford. Wick was the herring capital of Europe at the time, and the distillery supplied drams to the fishing fleet. Despite Wick being 'dry' (alcohol sales banned) from 1922 to 1947, the distillery continued to produce whisky for export. It is now owned by International Beverage Holdings.

The whisky

Maritime and briny with sea salt, honey, citrus and a dry, salty finish.

Signature expressions

• 12 Year Old
• 15 Year Old
• 18 Year Old
• Huddart

Visiting Old Pulteney

Open year-round. Tours include the story of Wick's herring industry and how it shaped the distillery. Old Pulteney is a natural stop on the NC500, about 2.5 hours north of Inverness.

Highlights

• Scotland's most northerly mainland distillery
• The Maritime Malt – briny coastal character
• Historic herring port heritage
• On the North Coast 500 route

Private whisky tours including Old Pulteney

We can include Old Pulteney in a private whisky tour with a dedicated driver-guide and luxury Mercedes vehicle. Pick-up from your hotel, airport or cruise port.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit Old Pulteney Distillery?

Open year-round. Tours include the story of Wick's herring industry and how it shaped the distillery. Old Pulteney is a natural stop on the NC500, about 2.5 hours north of Inverness.

What whisky does Old Pulteney make?

Old Pulteney is a Highland single malt known for: 12 Year Old, 15 Year Old, 18 Year Old, Huddart. Maritime and briny with sea salt, honey, citrus and a dry, salty finish.

How do I get to Old Pulteney Distillery?

Old Pulteney Distillery is in Wick, Caithness, Highland. We offer private whisky tours that include Old Pulteney with door-to-door transport from Inverness, Edinburgh, Glasgow or Aberdeen in a luxury Mercedes vehicle with a dedicated driver-guide.