First Impressions
Old Pulteney 18 lands in the glass with that unmistakable Wick character — coastal, waxy, just a touch briny — but layered now with the dignity of nearly two decades in oak. At 46% non-chill-filtered, it's the Pulteney that feels most fully realised.
Distillery & Heritage
Pulteney distillery sits in Wick, Caithness, on Scotland's wild north-east coast — once the busiest herring port in Europe. Founded in 1826 by James Henderson, the distillery takes its name from Sir William Pulteney, the local laird. Its uniquely shaped stills, with their flat tops and purifier pipes, give the spirit a distinctive oily, waxy character. The 18 year old is matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and Spanish oak ex-oloroso casks, replacing the much-loved 17 in the core range some years back.
Tasting Notes in Detail
The nose is classic maritime Pulteney — sea spray and beeswax — joined by dried apricot, oloroso nuttiness and a thread of orange oil. The palate delivers salted caramel and walnut, honeyed barley and baked apple, with that gentle brine running through everything. The finish is long and gently saline, with dark chocolate and a soft sherry sweetness on the tail.
Verdict
A mature, beautifully balanced coastal Highlander. The sherry influence dresses Pulteney's salty bones in something rich without smothering them. Excellent after-dinner drinking and one of the better 18 year olds in this price bracket.
