Old Pulteney Distillery
Wick, Caithness
History: Pulteney is one of the most northerly distilleries on mainland Scotland. Wick was once known as the herring capital of Europe and you can find the distillery hiding along Huddart Street right in the centre of town. The distillery itself is like an Aladdin's cave for any whisky enthusiast – full of twists and turns making it a truly memorable experience.
The whisky: Old Pulteney is known across the world as “the maritime malt” and the range is described as being crafted by the sea, which means there's a slight saltiness that makes it truly unique. Old Pulteney is the embodiment of its history, the people and it’s location. The multi-award-winning core range consists of the 12-year-old, the 17-year-old, Navigator and the 21-year-old. If you're lucky you may find their 35-year-old and there are rumours of a 50-year-old on the way as well.
Favourite dram: It is very rare to find a whole range of single malts that hits the spot and for my palate, Old Pulteney does this. Even though the 21-year-old was named best whisky in the world a few years ago, I can't get enough of the 17-year-old. Sweet with soft fruits – kiwi, guava, peach and apricots – but with a dry and spicy finish, it just needs a wee splash of water.
Why visit? The distillery is opened from 10am-4pm Monday to Friday for most of the year, then on Saturdays also from May-September. Tours take place at 11am and 2pm, or by prior arrangement. This is one of my favourite places to visit and if you are lucky enough to meet Malcolm Waring, the distillery manager, then you're in for a treat. If you are even a bit into your Scotch then this is a must-visit.
Interesting fact: The Distillery was founded in 1826 by James Henderson during the town’s “herring boom”. Wick soon became famous for two sources of prosperity, barrels of both of which left the port in vast numbers – silver (herring) and gold (whisky). At that time, the town was only accessible by sea and Wick became the busiest fishing port in Europe with the fleet reaching a peak of more than 1,000 boats by the 1850s.
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