A Remarkable Milestone
For two centuries Old Pulteney has stood proudly in Wick, a town whose history, identity and fortunes have long been intertwined with the sea. As the distillery celebrates its bicentenary, it is not simply marking the passage of time, it is honouring a legacy shaped by craftsmanship, resilience and an unmistakable maritime character.
The Maritime Malt
Founded in 1826 during the height of Wick’s fishing boom, Old Pulteney quickly became part of the fabric of the local community. At a time when the town was one of Europe’s busiest herring ports, barrels of whisky and supplies arrived and departed by sea, creating a connection between Old Pulteney and the ocean that remains central to the brand today. The salty coastal air, relentless North Sea winds, and unique location have all contributed to the distinctive profile that whisky enthusiasts around the world recognise as “The Maritime Malt.”
Honouring a Legacy
To commemorate its 200th anniversary, Old Pulteney has unveiled two special limited edition releases: two highly aged, remarkable single malts.
The Old Pulteney 30 Year Old Single Malt
Only 1,000 bottles were produced globally of this extraordinary single malt, with only 100 available for the UK. Elegant yet grounded, it captures the essence of the distillery’s maritime heritage.
On the nose there is a refined harmony of sugared almonds and sweet oak, layered with juicy orchard fruits - pear and green apple - alongside toffee, polished oak, and a whisper of citrus. Subtle floral notes mingle with hints of leather and tobacco, all lifted by a gentle maritime breeze. The palate opens with bright citrus and crisp pear, unfolding into salted caramel and baked apple. Warm spices - cinnamon and nutmeg - intertwine with polished oak and delicate floral notes, creating a rich, layered sweetness. The finish is medium to long, revealing a graceful balance of sweet and salty, leaving a lasting impression of coastal elegance.
The Old Pulteney 50 Year Old Single Malt
Aged for half a century in American & European oak, only 200 bottles were produced of this exceptionally rare single malt. Profoundly complex, yet unmistakably Old Pulteney.
Powerful and deeply expressive on the nose, with a vibrant saline character shaped by the coastal sea air. Fragrant floral notes intertwine with ripe orchard fruits, revealing layers of cask char, plum preserve, green apple, and velvety vanilla. The palate evokes freshly toasted brioche lavishly spread with citrus marmalade, while a subtle nuance of fine leather lends elegance and complexity. The palate is wonderfully dry and refined, with a subtle salinity shaped by the coastal air and a whisper of cracked pepper. Rich cask char forms the foundation, revealing successive layers of toffee apple, fragrant cardamom, clove spice, and sweet cured tobacco. Complex and deeply rewarding, it culminates in a whisky of remarkable depth and enduring maritime character. The finish unfolds with the gentle surge of the tide – dry at first, then revealing sweet vanilla.
An Enduring Influence
The bicentenary is more than a celebration of the distillery, it is also a celebration of the people behind the whisky. Generations of distillers, coopers, warehouse workers and craftspeople have helped preserve the traditions that define Old Pulteney, while ensuring the brand continues to evolve for modern whisky drinkers. Their dedication has transformed a small coastal distillery into a globally respected name in the world of Scotch whisky.
The anniversary also serves as a reminder of Wick’s enduring influence on the whisky. Few distilleries are as deeply connected to their surroundings as Old Pulteney. The town’s maritime heritage is reflected not only in the whisky’s flavour, but also in its story. Every bottle carries echoes of harbour life, sea voyages and the determination of a community that has weathered countless changes over the last two centuries.
As Old Pulteney enters its third century, the distillery stands at an exciting crossroads. It remains committed to preserving the character that has made it famous while embracing new ideas, cask innovations, and experiences for whisky lovers worldwide. The 200th anniversary is therefore not just a celebration of the past, it is a statement of intent for the future. Two hundred years after the first spirit flowed from its stills, Old Pulteney continues to embody the spirit of its coastal home. Its bicentenary is a tribute to history, community, and craftsmanship, proving that some traditions only grow stronger with time.