Features

Origin: Scotland (Coastal Highlands)
Type: Single Malt 2012 (Flotilla)
Distillery: Old Pulteney
Degree: 46%
Capacity: 70 cl
Aging: American oak ex-Bourbon barrels (extended maturation in a maritime environment)
Coloration: Uncolored (natural coloring by the wood)
Filtration: Non-chill filtered (retains all essential oils)

Tasting notes

Nose: Creamy vanilla opens with fresh citrus (sweet orange, lime) and green apple notes, followed by a subtle iodine nuance reminiscent of the sea breeze.
Palate: Round and warm, revealing sweet flavors of butterscotch and delicate spices (white pepper, nutmeg), punctuated with a hint of lemon to bring a balancing freshness.
Finish: Long and tasty, with a gentle hint of sea salt and a light persistence of malted barley , evoking a walk by the ocean.

Pairings and tasting moments

Perfect as an elegant aperitif , served in a tulip glass to concentrate the iodine and vanilla aromas. Pairs ideally with grilled seafood (salmon, prawns) to highlight the salty sweetness and make it even more refreshing. As a refined digestif , accompany a lemon cheesecake or a white chocolate fondant to highlight the vanilla and natural sweetness. For a salty-sweet contrast, pair it with sautéed mushrooms with garlic and thyme, evoking the earthy richness of malted barley.

Product History

Old Pulteney 2012 Flotilla is part of the “Flotilla” series celebrating the distillery’s maritime heritage. Distilled in 2012, it spent its maturation years in ex-Bourbon American oak casks nestled in Wick’s coastal warehouses, where the salty breeze gradually infused the whisky with its characteristic notes. The term “Flotilla” evokes the fleets of traditional sailing ships that linked Wick to Scotland’s great ports, transporting goods and whisky across the sea. Each cask was selected for its ability to capture this maritime influence, resulting in a single malt that is smooth, complex, and imbued with a rare freshness of flavor. Launched after the Huddart, 15 Year Old, and 18 Year Old expressions in 2018, this 2012 edition underlines Old Pulteney’s mastery of producing refined vintages, demonstrating its ancestral know-how and its passion for the sea.

Testimonials from our customers

• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  “A true walk by the ocean! The saltiness is present without being overpowering, and the hints of honeyed vanilla bring a delicious sweetness.”
  — Marc F., Paris
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  "The Old Pulteney 2012 Flotilla combines the robustness of an aged single malt with exceptional marine freshness. Ideal for lovers of coastal whiskies."
  — Chloé M., Lyon

The brand

Founded in 1826, Old Pulteney is one of Scotland's most northerly distilleries, located in the fishing village of Wick. Boasting a unique maritime influence, it is nicknamed "the maritime malt," renowned for its refreshing, salty notes. Acquired by Inver House in 1995 and incorporated into the Thai Beverage group, Old Pulteney produces around one million liters of pure spirit annually using just two stills. The whiskies are aged primarily in American Bourbon casks, with some being finished in Sherry casks to enhance their complexity. The Flotilla series showcases Old Pulteney's passion for the sea and its ability to create exceptional vintages imbued with coastal freshness and malty indulgence.

About the distillery

The Old Pulteney Distillery was founded in 1826 by James Henderson in Wick Harbour, on the northeast coast of the Highlands. Nestled between sea and hills, it benefits from pure spring water from the Ballantruan Burn, providing an ideal base for producing whiskies of great finesse. Closed in 1930, it remained inactive for nearly three decades before reopening in 1959. In 1995, Inver House took over, and the company was subsequently integrated into the Thai Beverage Group, which provided international support while preserving its unique character.

Equipped with two copper stills, distillation is slow to preserve the floral and fruity aromas. The American Bourbon casks are stored in cellars ventilated by sea air, ensuring maturation influenced by the ocean breeze. Every Old Pulteney whisky, including the Flotilla, benefits from this maritime conditioning, which imparts the distillery's signature saltiness and characteristic balance. With an annual production of approximately one million liters, Old Pulteney remains true to its artisanal heritage, while exploring innovative editions such as the Flotilla series, designed to capture the very essence of the Scottish sea.

Visitors are invited to experience the complete process: from the re-floating of the malted barley to tasting it at the edge of the cellars, facing the Scottish waves. This immersion allows visitors to understand how every detail—from the choice of water to the selection of casks and the influence of the coastal climate—contributes to creating Old Pulteney's inimitable "maritime malt."