Old Pulteney 18 year old

Overview: The Old Pulteney 18 year old at a glance

• Long maturation: Aged for 18 years in carefully selected casks
• Two cask types: Initially ex-bourbon casks, followed by Oloroso sherry casks
• Robust bottling: Bottled at 46% ABV
• No additives: Non-chill filtered and no added coloring
• Coastal location: Distilled in Wick, on Scotland's north coast

Portrait: What makes the Old Pulteney 18 year old special

The Old Pulteney 18 Year Old is a single malt for those who enjoy their whisky with a healthy dose of history—and perhaps a touch of wanderlust in their glass. It has been a permanent fixture in the Old Pulteney distillery’s core range since 2019, having confidently secured its place there. It is no wonder, really; after all, an 18-year maturation period is no small feat.

Old Pulteney calls Wick—in the far north of Scotland—its home.

This coastal town is located in Caithness, right by the sea, and was once a major hub for the herring fishing industry. The distillery was founded back in 1826—a time when there was clearly more going on in Wick than just bad weather. To this day, that maritime influence remains an integral part of Old Pulteney’s identity.

They also take their time with production. Old Pulteney 18 Year Old is first matured in ex-bourbon casks made of American white oak. It then receives a finish in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks. For a whisky that has already spent 18 years maturing, this serves as a final, brief interlude before its grand debut.

Old Pulteney 18 Year Old is bottled at a robust 46% ABV. The distillery eschews both chill-filtration and artificial coloring. You could say that here, the whisky is simply allowed to be whisky—without any cosmetic enhancements.

In doing so, Old Pulteney 18 Year Old combines Scottish distilling heritage, coastal charm, and meticulous maturation to create a bottling that truly does its home proud. In short: 18 years old, hailing from Wick, and perfectly suited for a relaxing evening—really, that’s all you need to know about this Scotch.

Tasting Notes: This is how the Old Pulteney 18 year old tastes like

• Nose: Creamy vanilla and milk chocolate take center stage, accompanied by honey, light herbal notes, and a subtle floral touch.
• Palate: Velvety and full-bodied. Sweet honey meets Christmas cake and pastries, complemented by fresh lemon zest and apple. Cinnamon and cloves add a spicy note, bringing extra depth to the profile.
• Finish: Long and balanced. Sherry notes blend with oak and dried fruit. The spice lingers for a while, providing a fitting conclusion.