Known as “The Maritime Malt,” Old Pulteney captures the essence of the northern Scottish coast, where sea spray and ocean winds shape every cask. Distilled in Wick since 1826, this duo, the 12 Year Old and 15 Year Old, showcases the distillery’s unmistakable coastal character and the depth that time brings. Together, they tell the story of craftsmanship, patience, and the enduring relationship between whisky and sea.

Old Pulteney 12 Year Old

Brand: Old Pulteney | Category: Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky | ABV: 40% | Origin: Scotland (Wick, Highlands) | Volume: 700ml

Tasting Profile:
Nose: Briny sea air mingles with honey, vanilla, and gentle citrus. Subtle hints of toffee and salted caramel evoke the ocean breeze.
Palate: Smooth and lively, offering flavors of fresh fruit, malt, and gentle oak spice. Maritime saltiness and sweetness dance in perfect balance.
Finish: Medium and clean with a whisper of sea salt, leaving a satisfying coastal freshness.

Production Details:
Aged in ex-bourbon American oak casks, the 12 Year Old embodies the pure house style, unpeated malt, natural sea air maturation, and a soft Highland sweetness. The result is approachable yet full of character, representing the spirit of Wick’s seafaring heritage.

Perfect For:
A perfect introduction to coastal single malts, ideal neat, with a splash of water, or paired with seafood and light cheeses.

Old Pulteney 15 Year Old

Brand: Old Pulteney | Category: Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky | ABV: 46% | Origin: Scotland (Wick, Highlands) | Volume: 700ml

Tasting Profile:
Nose: Rich and complex, with aromas of honey, dried fruit, and chocolate layered over maritime brine and subtle oak.
Palate: Velvety and deep. Notes of raisins, caramel, and baking spice unfold into hints of sea salt, nuts, and vanilla cream. The sherry influence adds elegant sweetness without overpowering the coastal DNA.
Finish: Long and warming, with lingering dried fruit, spice, and gentle salt.

Production Details:
Matured first in American oak ex-bourbon casks before being finished in Spanish oak sherry butts, the 15 Year Old showcases Old Pulteney’s evolution, adding richness and depth while preserving its maritime core. Bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill-filtered for full texture and flavor.

Perfect For:
A contemplative dram for refined palates. Excellent neat after dinner or paired with dark chocolate or roasted nuts.

Expert Notes:

Whisky writers praise Old Pulteney as “a distillery that bottles the sea itself.” The 12 Year Old delivers freshness and balance, while the 15 Year Old brings complexity and maturity, together offering a journey from vibrant coastal youth to polished maritime depth.

Customer Reviews:

“The 12 is crisp and briny; the 15 is richer and smoother, a perfect pairing.”   Douglas M.
“You can almost taste the sea breeze in both. Beautiful whiskies.”   Karen T.
“The 15 has the depth of a fine sherried malt but keeps that coastal character alive.”   James F.

Interesting Fact:

The Old Pulteney distillery sits just a few hundred meters from the North Sea. Its uniquely shaped stills, short with large bulbous necks, help produce a full-bodied spirit that captures the maritime character Wick is known for.

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy both neat in a Glencairn glass. Add a few drops of water to the 15 Year Old to reveal deeper sherry notes, or chill the 12 Year Old slightly for a crisp, coastal refreshment.

Distillery Background:

Founded in 1826, Old Pulteney Distillery remains one of the northernmost on Scotland’s mainland. Once accessible only by sea, it has long been intertwined with the region’s fishing heritage. Its whiskies embody that maritime legacy, shaped by salty air, seasoned oak, and time, resulting in spirits that are both rugged and refined.