Old Pulteney 25 Years Old

A quarter century in Wick's sea air. First in American oak for sweetness and vanilla, then in Spanish oak for depth and color. Elegant, charismatic, and defined by the coastal environment of its home port.

Old Pulteney Distillery sits in Wick — one of Scotland's most northerly towns, on the Caithness coast, historically one of the busiest herring ports in Europe. The distillery has been producing whisky since 1826 and draws its water from the Loch of Hempriggs, its character shaped by the constant presence of North Sea air circulating through its warehouses. The result — described consistently as a coastal single malt with an invigorating maritime character — is unlike anything produced further inland.

The 25 Year is Old Pulteney's most aged core expression. After 25 years in American oak — developing the spicy sweetness that the house style is known for — the whisky spends further time in Spanish oak, which adds depth, color, and a darker fruit dimension that complements the coastal character without masking it. The combination produces a whisky of genuine complexity and distinction: the Caithness coast in concentrated, matured form.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep golden amber with warm tones from the Spanish oak finish.
• Nose: Ripe fruits, honey, and a hint of sea breeze — the coastal origin is evident from the first nosing.
• Palate: Sweet vanilla and oak from the American oak base, deepened by Spanish oak spice, dried fruit, and a subtle coastal salinity.
• Finish: Long and smooth — warm spice and fruit fading into a clean, lingering coastal close.

Specs

• Distillery: Old Pulteney, Wick, Caithness, Scotland (est. 1826)
• Style: Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Age: 25 years
• Maturation: American oak, then Spanish oak
• Bottling: Un-chillfiltered
• Size: 750ml

Browse all Scotch whisky at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What makes Old Pulteney a "coastal single malt"? Old Pulteney's warehouses on the Caithness coast are exposed to the North Sea air — the constant circulation of salty, humid coastal atmosphere influences the maturing spirit in ways that are not replicable at inland distilleries. The maritime character in Old Pulteney is a genuine product of its geographic location.
• How does un-chillfiltered bottling affect the whisky? Chill filtration removes natural oils and esters that can cause cloudiness at cold temperatures. Un-chillfiltered bottling preserves those compounds, which contribute to mouthfeel, texture, and flavor complexity. Old Pulteney's 25 Year benefits from this richer, more textured presentation.
• How does Old Pulteney 25 Year compare to their 17 or 21 Year? The 17 and 21 Year are Old Pulteney's more accessible aged expressions. The 25 Year adds a full Spanish oak maturation phase that the younger expressions don't include, producing a richer, more complex, and darker character. It is the most ambitious single malt in the Old Pulteney core range.
• Is Old Pulteney 25 Year a limited release? It is produced in limited quantities based on available 25-year stock. Once sold, individual batches are not guaranteed to be restocked at the same specification.