Founded in 1826 in Wick, in the Northern Highlands, the Old Pulteney distillery is deeply rooted in Scotland’s maritime history. Located at the northernmost tip of the country, it stands as one of the region’s most iconic distilleries.
The origins of the Old Pulteney distillery
The story begins with James Henderson, who established his distillery in Pulteneytown, a district built to house the fishermen of the port of Wick. At the time, the local economy revolved around herring fishing, and whisky production grew alongside this thriving trade. Wick soon became known as the city of gold and silver, gold for whisky, silver for herring.
The chosen location, close to the North Sea, made it easier to transport raw materials and ship casks. The water used comes from Loch Hempriggs, a natural source located just a few kilometers to the south.
A distillery shaped by its surroundings
From the very beginning, Old Pulteney benefited from its geographical isolation. The cold and humid climate of the Northern Highlands naturally influences the maturation of its whiskies, while the proximity to the port of Wick encouraged maritime trade — first across Scotland, then abroad. The distillery quickly became an economic cornerstone, employing locals and contributing to the vitality of the town.
From 19th-century stills to global exports
The Old Pulteney distillery has used distinctively shaped copper stills since its origins — their design has remained unchanged since the 19th century.
Production follows traditional methods: mashing of malted barley, fermentation in large wooden washbacks, slow distillation, and finally maturation in oak casks.
After its revival in the 1950s, Old Pulteney gradually modernised its facilities while maintaining a human-scale production. Following several changes in ownership, it became part of the Inver House Distillers group at the end of the 20th century, enabling it to increase its production capacity and expand its international presence.
The flagship products of the Old Pulteney distillery
OLD PULTENEY 2012 Flotilla
Created specifically for the French market, Flotilla is the most representative expression of the style and environment of the Old Pulteney distillery. Aged in bourbon casks, this 2012 vintage reveals a maritime, iodised and saline character, complemented by gourmet notes. It offers flavours of green apple, lemon zest, toffee, and vanilla, enhanced by salty undertones. The long finish carries you off the northern coast of the Highlands.
OLD PULTENEY 12 ans
43.9 €
OLD PULTENEY 12 years old
An emblematic bottling of the Old Pulteney distillery, this single malt is aged in ex-bourbon casks, giving it a gourmet, vanilla-forward character with a hint of spice. Refined and complex, its finish reveals saline notes born from exposure to sea spray during maturation.
OLD PULTENEY Harbour
34.9 €
OLD PULTENEY Harbour
Crafted with care, the Old Pulteney Harbour single malt draws its depth from a subtle maturation in first- and second-fill bourbon casks. Rich and indulgent, with the saline and iodised character typical of the distillery, Harbour reveals captivating notes of vanilla, citrus, and lemon cake, all evoking the sea spray of Scotland’s northeastern coast.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SCOTISH WHISKIES
La Maison du Whisky has three boutiques in Paris:
In each of these boutiques, you'll find a wide selection of whiskies, rums, sakes, and other fine spirits.
Because a whisky can be described in a thousand words, our experts will be delighted to guide you through the must-try whiskies at La Maison du Whisky.
Follow our tasting calendar for upcoming events, or visit the Golden Promise Whisky Bar, which offers an extensive selection of whiskies and other spirits by the glass.
