Old Pulteney
In the world of whisky, few brands tell a story as deeply intertwined with nature and landscape as Old Pulteney Single Malt Whisky from Scotland. It stands out with its unique maritime character, earning it the moniker The Maritime Malt, which perfectly reflects the distillery's distinctive coastal location in Wick, Caithness, the northernmost reaches of the Highlands, a land infused with sea air and pristine atmosphere. This article will take you on a journey through Old Pulteney's long history, from its origins and unique production, through its journey across time, to its status as a global award-winning Single Malt.
The Beginning and the Excise Act Revolution
Old Pulteney Distillery was founded in 1826 by James Henderson, a pioneer in the whisky industry, in the town of Wick, which was once one of Europes busiest fishing ports. The distillery was named after Sir William Pulteney, a renowned Scottish politician who played a crucial role in developing Wick and its surrounding areas, earning him the title "Father of Wick" as the founder of the modern town, recognizing the importance of developing its port and fishing industry, which led to the town's rapid growth.
The establishment of Old Pulteney occurred after the introduction of the new Excise Act in 1823, a significant reform in Scotland's whisky industry. Historically, Scotland had very high alcohol tax laws, leading many producers to operate illegally, known as "Moonshine." However, when the law was changed, significantly reducing tax rates, many legal distilleries emerged, and Old Pulteney was one of them, born under this new legislation. This was a crucial step that propelled Scottish whisky production into a full industrial era.
The Essence of The Maritime Malt: Ingredients and Maturation
Old Pulteney is a renowned distillery for producing Single Malt known for its distinct characteristics, profoundly influenced by its maritime environment:
- High-Quality Malted Barley: The distillery selects premium malted barley from the United Kingdom, the primary ingredient for whisky production.
- Water from Loch Hempriggs: The water used in whisky production comes from Loch Hempriggs, located approximately 4 kilometers from the distillery. This pristine water plays a vital role in establishing the fundamental taste profile of the whisky.
- Maritime Influence: What truly sets Old Pulteney apart is the maritime influence that permeates every aspect of its production, from fermentation to maturation in its coastal warehouses. The sea breeze and saline spray from the North Sea sweeping through the distillery and infusing the whisky barrels are crucial factors that impart Old Pulteney its unique flavor profile: a smooth, sweet taste of fruit and vanilla, interwoven with a fragrant and subtly salty maritime essence, giving rise to its nickname The Maritime Malt.
Beyond geographical influence, Old Pulteney's maturation process is also unique. Maturation primarily occurs in oak casks, predominantly ex-Bourbon American oak barrels. These casks contribute distinctive vanilla, caramel, and sweet notes to the whisky. However, other types of oak casks are also used, such as Spanish Sherry Casks, which add layers of complexity with dried fruit, spice, and a deeper sweetness.
The maturation period for each Old Pulteney expression varies depending on the recipe and the producer's requirements. Still, generally, Old Pulteney is aged for many years to achieve a smooth, well-rounded taste and a perfectly complex dimension.
A Period of Challenges and Revival
Initially, Old Pulteney quickly gained popularity in Wick and its surrounding areas, particularly among fishermen and those involved in Wick's bustling maritime industry, once one of Europe's busiest fishing ports.
However, in the 1930s, Old Pulteney's production abruptly ceased due to two simultaneous significant events: the Great Depression, which had a global impact, and, more importantly, the implementation of Prohibition in Wick itself, making it a dry town where alcohol sales were locally prohibited. Both events led to the distillery's closure for nearly two decades, a severely challenging period for Old Pulteney.
In 1951, as the economy began to recover and Prohibition in Wick was lifted, Old Pulteney Distillery reopened. At this time, it was under the stewardship of Bertie Cumming, who also owned Balblair Distillery in the UK. This reopening marked a fresh start for Old Pulteney.
Then, in 1955, he sold Old Pulteney Distillery to Hiram Walker & Sons, a Canadian beverage giant. Under Hirams management, the distillery was revitalized and modernized while retaining the traditional production methods that defined Old Pulteney's character. Subsequently, in 1961, it was acquired again by Allied Breweries, a major UK brewing company.
Global Growth Under Inver House Distillers and ThaiBev
The fluctuations in ownership reached a significant turning point in 1995. From then until the present, Old Pulteney has been part of Inver House Distillers, a subsidiary of ThaiBev, one of Southeast Asia's largest beverage companies. Old Pulteney's ownership by Inver House Distillers and ThaiBev marked a crucial period because, under strong management and a broad vision, Old Pulteney truly gained global recognition and expanded its market extensively.
In the modern era, Old Pulteney has continuously expanded its production scope. The distillery began producing a diverse range of aged expressions to meet the varied demands of the market and different Single Malt Whisky enthusiasts, including 12-Year-Old, 17-Year-Old, and 21-Year-Old Single Malts. These have become immensely popular, with each offering a unique drinking experience, distinct in flavor based on their aging period and cask types.
Awards and Global Recognition
Old Pulteney's success story is accompanied by numerous quality awards, reflecting its excellence and global standards. Over the years, Old Pulteney has received many prestigious accolades, such as:
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage: Named Worlds Best Single Malt Whisky at the World Whiskies Awards 2016, one of the most significant awards in the whisky industry.
- Old Pulteney 21 Year Old: Awarded World Whisky of the Year in Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2012, by the renowned global whisky expert.
- Old Pulteney 12 Year Old: Received a Gold Medal from the International Wine and Spirit Competition in 2006, confirming the consistent quality of its core expression.
How to Drink Old Pulteney and Food Pairings
Old Pulteney can be enjoyed in various ways to experience its different flavors and aromas
- Neat : The most popular method to savor the true and complex taste of the whisky.
- On the Rocks : Helps slightly reduce the intensity and bring out certain flavors.
With a Splash of Water: Adding just a few drops of still water can help open up the whisky's complex aromas and flavors without overly diluting it. - As a Cocktail Ingredient: Old Pulteney is also popular as an ingredient in various classic and contemporary cocktails, such as Old
Pairing Old Pulteney with food depends on the specific expression and its flavor profile. Generally, maritime-influenced Old Pulteney pairs well with
- Seafood: Especially scallops, prawns, or smoked salmon.
- Smoked Meats: The smoky notes complement the whisky's complexity.
- Strong Cheeses: Such as aged cheddar or blue cheese, which beautifully enhance the whisky's flavors.
