
Old Pulteney Distillery
Discover the maritime heart of Scotland at Old Pulteney Distillery, crafting exceptional single malt Scotch whisky influenced by the North Sea.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer tour groups

Old Pulteney Distillery
Best Time
Fewer tour groups

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the maritime heart of Scotland at Old Pulteney Distillery, crafting exceptional single malt Scotch whisky influenced by the North Sea.
"An amazing experience with a fantastic and informative tour, offering a true glimpse into the process."

🎯 Book Tours Ahead
Popular tours fill up fast! Secure your spot for the Old Pulteney Distillery experience online.
🥃 Taste the Coastal Spirit
Don't miss the whisky tasting; try unique expressions and learn about their maritime influence.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Distillery Tour
Old Pulteney Distillery
An in-depth look at the whisky-making process, from grain to glass, with passionate guides.

Whisky Tasting
Distillery Shop
Sample a range of Old Pulteney's finest single malt whiskies, including unique barrel selections.

Museum Room
Distillery Shop
Explore the history and heritage of this iconic coastal distillery and its whiskies.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Embrace the Coastal Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Distillery Tours?
🎯 Book Tours Ahead
Popular tours fill up fast! Secure your spot for the Old Pulteney Distillery experience online.
🥃 Taste the Coastal Spirit
Don't miss the whisky tasting; try unique expressions and learn about their maritime influence.
Scotland-heavy month-long trip - feedback welcome
🚶♀️ Explore Wick
Wick offers charming coastal scenery and local culture to complement your distillery visit.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
Scotland's weather can be unpredictable. Layers are key for comfort during your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours Ahead
Popular tours fill up fast! Secure your spot for the Old Pulteney Distillery experience online.
🥃 Taste the Coastal Spirit
Don't miss the whisky tasting; try unique expressions and learn about their maritime influence.
🚶♀️ Explore Wick
Wick offers charming coastal scenery and local culture to complement your distillery visit.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
Scotland's weather can be unpredictable. Layers are key for comfort during your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Old Pulteney Distillery tours, highlighting the informative and personal experience provided by guides like Gordon. The unique maritime character of the whisky and the opportunity for special tastings, including bottling from the cask, are major draws. While the tasting strength might be too much for some, the overall experience is consistently rated as excellent, with many appreciating the authentic glimpse into whisky production.
"A lovely tour by our wonderful guide Gordon, a perfect length introduction to the production of whisky without too much of an information dump which was appreciated. The tasting at the end is well presented and classy looking, just too strong for me unfortunately haha."
Joseph Snitch
"Had a great time and learned a lot about how my most beloved brand makes its single malt whisky. Funny enough, the house I stayed in at Wick had walls that matched the very bottle I bought at the distillery!"
Lachezar Sotirov
"The Old Pulteney has an special place in our hart.
After a long drive we called for a tour and we arrived late.
Non the less they gave us a personal tour around the property and teach us their entire process.
After the tour we taste their incredible whisky’s and we enjoyed them all.
An old distillery which breaths history …. Just go and surprise yourself with a great experience."
Karel van den Berg
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Pulteney Distillery is located in Wick, Caithness, in the far north of Scotland. Visitors can drive to Wick, with the distillery being easily accessible within the town. For those traveling from further afield, the nearest major airports are Inverness (INV) and Aberdeen (ABZ), followed by a scenic drive or train journey. Public transport options include buses that serve Wick.
Yes, there is typically parking available for visitors at the Old Pulteney Distillery. It's advisable to check their official website for the most up-to-date information on parking facilities and any associated costs.
While a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the Highlands, it is possible to visit the Old Pulteney Distillery using public transport. Buses run to Wick, and the distillery is within walking distance or a short taxi ride from the town center.
The Old Pulteney Distillery is located at Pulteney Distillery, Huddart Street, Wick, Caithness, KW1 5BS, Scotland. This coastal location is a key part of its identity and whisky character.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tour prices can vary depending on the type of tour and tasting experience chosen. It's best to check the official Old Pulteney Distillery website for current pricing and to book your tickets in advance, as popular tours can sell out.
Yes, booking your tour in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. This ensures you secure your preferred date and time for the Old Pulteney Distillery experience.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. Visitors should consult the official Old Pulteney Distillery website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on tour availability and operating hours.
Yes, visitors can often visit the distillery shop and museum room without taking a full tour. This allows you to explore the history and purchase whisky, as mentioned by some visitors who opted for this experience.
Old Pulteney Distillery typically offers various tour and tasting experiences, ranging from introductory tours to more in-depth explorations of their whisky production and maturation processes. Check their website for current offerings.
🎫 🥃 Onsite Experience
Tours at Old Pulteney Distillery provide an introduction to the whisky-making process, highlighting their unique coastal maturation. Guides like Gordon are praised for being fantastic and informative, offering a comprehensive look at production.
Most tours at Old Pulteney Distillery include a whisky tasting, allowing you to sample their renowned single malt Scotch whiskies. The tasting is often described as well-presented and classy.
Absolutely! The distillery shop offers a wide selection of Old Pulteney whiskies, including special bottlings and expressions you might not find elsewhere. Some visitors even seal their own bottles directly from the barrel.
Old Pulteney whisky is known for its distinctive maritime character, influenced by its coastal location in Wick. This unique environment imparts a subtle salinity and complexity to their single malts, such as the Old Pulteney 18 or Old Pulteney 12yo.
Old Pulteney offers a range of age statements, including popular expressions like the Old Pulteney 12yo, Old Pulteney 18, and Old Pulteney 21. They also release vintage bottlings, such as the Old Pulteney 1989 or Old Pulteney 2006 vintage, and special cask finishes like bourbon cask or sherry cask.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Old Pulteney Distillery primarily focuses on whisky tours and tastings. While there might not be a full restaurant on-site, the nearby town of Wick offers various dining options, from pubs to local eateries.
While the focus is on whisky, it's likely that non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase in the shop or for designated drivers. It's always a good idea to inquire directly with the distillery.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography is permitted in most public areas of the distillery, but it's always best to check with your guide. Capturing the historic stills and coastal views can make for great shots.
The exterior of the distillery with its coastal backdrop, the interior of the production areas (where permitted), and the tasting room offer excellent photographic opportunities. The unique bottle designs also make for appealing flat lays.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🥃 Whisky Aficionados
🚗 Road Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Maritime Influence on Old Pulteney Whisky
This coastal influence is a hallmark of the Old Pulteney scotch whisky range. Expressions like the Old Pulteney 18 and the Old Pulteney 12yo are celebrated for their balance of traditional malty notes and this signature maritime character. Visitors often remark on how the distillery's location is intrinsically linked to the taste profile of the pulteney whisky, making a visit an immersive sensory experience. The Old Pulteney distillery location is not just a geographical point but a vital ingredient in their craft.
Exploring the Old Pulteney Range
Beyond the standard age statements, Old Pulteney also experiments with different cask finishes, such as Old Pulteney bourbon cask and Old Pulteney sherry cask expressions, adding further layers of flavor. Vintage releases, like the Old Pulteney 1989 or Old Pulteney 2006 vintage, offer a unique opportunity to taste whisky from specific years, showcasing the distillery's historical production. Exploring the Old Pulteney whisky price points reveals a spectrum from accessible to premium, reflecting the age and rarity of each bottling.
A Personal Touch: Distillery Tours and Tastings
The tasting sessions are also a highlight, often described as 'well-presented and classy'. Some visitors have even had the unique opportunity to select a bottle directly from the barrel, seal it with wax, and personalize the label themselves. This hands-on approach, combined with the warm reception from the staff, creates a memorable and authentic distillery visit, making it a must-do for fans of Old Pulteney scotch.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit