Features

Origin: Scotland (Coastal Highlands)
Type: Single Malt 18 years old
Distillery: Old Pulteney
Degree: 46%
Capacity: 70 cl
Aging: American Bourbon barrels then finished in Sherry (oloroso) barrels
Coloring: Uncolored
Filtration: Non-chill filtered

Tasting notes

Nose: Intense and warm, with notes of gourmet chocolate and creamy vanilla , blended with sweet honey and vibrant spices (cinnamon, clove). A whisper of floral fruit (white peach, orange blossom) gives way to crisp bursts of citrus (candied lemon, mandarin) and ripe apple .
Palate: Gourmet and creamy: melted dark chocolate supported by honeyed spices, with a hint of ginger and cardamom . The floral notes (lavender, violet) bring a touch of finesse while a subtle grapefruit bitterness balances everything.
Finish: Long and vibrant, where fresh citrus fruits (lime zest, green apple) come alive on a soft background of vanilla and light caramel , ending on a light salty breeze reminiscent of the coast.

Pairings and tasting moments

Perfect as an elegant aperitif , served in a tulip glass to concentrate the aromas. Pairs ideally with a platter of mature cheeses (Comté vieux, Beaufort) to balance the chocolatey richness. As a sophisticated digestif , accompany a dark chocolate fondant or a nut and spice cake to enhance the honeyed and spicy notes. For a refreshing contrast, serve it with a white fish tartare lightly seasoned with lime and olive oil, highlighting the salty freshness of the whisky.

Product History

Launched in 2018 as part of the new Old Pulteney range, the Old Pulteney 18 Year Old complements the Huddart and 15 Year Old expressions. True to the distillery's coastal spirit, this whisky benefits from a long aging in American Bourbon casks , followed by a finish in carefully selected Oloroso Sherry casks . The aim: to marry vanilla and honey sweetness with warm spices, while retaining the saline influence specific to Old Pulteney. This 18 Year Old edition perfectly illustrates Inver House 's expertise and the quest for a balance between aromatic richness and maritime freshness, offering enthusiasts a rich, indulgent experience deeply rooted in the coastal tradition of the Highlands.

Testimonials from our customers

• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  “A perfect balance between delicious sweetness and salty freshness! The notes of chocolate and spices are divine, with a lemony finish reminiscent of the sea.”
  — Julien R., Paris
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  “The Old Pulteney 18 Year Old is a true revelation: rich, warm, yet fresh. Ideal for discovering the coastal Highlands style.”
  — Isabelle M., Lyon

The brand

Founded in 1826 by James Henderson, Old Pulteney Distillery is one of Scotland's most northerly distilleries, nestled in the fishing village of Wick. Renowned for its salty, wild single malts, it has survived the centuries while retaining its authenticity. Acquired by Inver House in 1995 and later integrated into the Thai Beverage group, Old Pulteney produces around one million liters of pure spirit per year with just two stills. The whiskies are aged primarily in Bourbon casks, stored in warehouses ventilated by the sea air, giving the bottles their unique signature of coastal freshness and malty character.

About the distillery

The Old Pulteney Distillery was established in 1826 by James Henderson in the village of Wick , on the northeast coast of the Highlands. Using pure spring water from the Ballantruan Burn, the distillery slowly distills in two copper stills to preserve the floral and malty aromas typical of coastal Speyside. Closed in 1930, it reopened in 1959 and underwent several changes of ownership before being acquired by Inver House in 1995 and later incorporated into the Thai Beverage Group.

The facilities include two traditional stills and warehouses capable of storing around 30,000 casks , ventilated by the sea air laden with sea spray. The majority of the whiskies are aged in American Bourbon casks, while some expressions (such as the 18-year-old) are finished in Sherry casks (oloroso) to add depth and spice. With an annual production of around one million liters of pure spirit, Old Pulteney remains a human-scale distillery, where the attention paid to every step (from barley picking to bottling) guarantees the authenticity of its single malts.

The distillery also offers guided tours, giving enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the complete process: from malting to tasting at the edge of the warehouses, overlooking the Scottish waves. This connection between coastal terroir and traditional craftsmanship makes Old Pulteney a must-visit for lovers of whiskies influenced by the sea.