FAQs

Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky is produced in uniquely shaped copper stills then matured next to the sea, giving it an unmistakable coastal character. 

We think it’s entirely a matter of personal taste. Some people add a drop of water, and some drink it neat; there are no rights or wrongs with drinking whisky, however you enjoy drinking it is right for you.  

We could recommend you enjoy it neat at first but then if you want to really explore the depths of flavour to Old Pulteney, start to experiment with adding drops of water.

Yes, absolutely! Whisky is made from water, malted barley and yeast – all of which are safe for vegans. It’s also naturally gluten-free.

Pulteney Distillery is based in the small harbour town of Wick, Caithness, on the shores of north-eastern Scotland.

The distillery was founded in 1826 by James Henderson during the height of Wick’s celebrated herring boom. It was, for a time, the most northerly distillery in mainland Scotland.

Yes, we warmly invite you to visit us for a tour of Pulteney Distillery here in Wick. We offer a range of tours, each providing a fascinating insight into the history and workings of Pulteney Distillery as well as an opportunity to taste our range of single malt whiskies.

We allow a 10-minute window. If you arrive after that, we’ll do our best to fit you onto a later tour where space allows.

Yes we provide small take away bottle for your whisky if you are the designated driver.

Only assistance dogs are permitted on Pulteney Distillery and we ask that you bring relevant documentation with you for example Assistance Dogs UK branded ID book. Where possible, we ask that you inform us in advance if you are bringing an assistance dog onto Old Pulteney Distillery. You can contact us on +44 (0)1955 602371  or email distillery@oldpulteney.com to inform us. Old Pulteney Hosts will be available to assist guests should assistance dogs find the grating unpleasant and be unable to walk across it.

The experiences take place at Pulteney Distillery, and as you enter the production area, we suggest wearing comfortable, layered clothing due to the heat from our curiously small stills. Sensible footwear is also advised; no open-toed shoes or high heels, as there are mesh and grated areas.

You can buy Old Pulteney single malt whisky core range from our Shop, or at most major supermarkets and small independent retailers. Our Traveller Exclusive range is available in the travel retail (duty free) section of major international airports.

We charge £6.00 for delivery to mainland UK from our online shop.

Yes, if they are in original condition and are not faulty.  

Please email oldpulteney@mailmarkuk.com within 7 days of delivery. 

Single malt whiskies such as Old Pulteney are distilled and aged at a single distillery, whereas blended whisky is produced by combining several single malt whiskies with grain. A blended Scotch whisky may contain a combination of whiskies from more than 40 different malt and grain distilleries.

There is a wealth of information on the internet, but we recommend the following whisky websites:

Scotch Whisky Association

www.scotch-whisky.org.uk

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

www.smws.com

Scotch Whisky Auctions

www.scotchwhiskyauctions.com

The Scotch Whisky Experience, Edinburgh

https://www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk

Scotch whisky is produced in five regions: Highlands (including the Islands), Speyside, Lowlands, Campbeltown and Islay. Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky is from the Highlands region.

The difference is in more than just the spelling. 

The spelling ‘whisky’ is used to denote scotch whisky and is always spelt without an ‘e’, which is a requirement in order to be called Scotch Whisky officially.

Scotch whisky must mature in oak casks for at least three years and production must take place entirely in Scotland. Additionally, single-malt scotch whisky must always be made from 100% malted barley.

Irish whiskey is always spelled with an ‘e’ but is different from scotch in that it may also contain grain spirit, the production involves no peat (hence the lack of smokiness to the flavour) and is usually distilled three times.