Pulteney Distillery

Pulteney Distillery produces hand-crafted single malt whiskies and ages them next to the sea, thereby giving them an unmistakable coastal character. The distillery's story is inseparable from the sea and the bountiful opportunities it brought – forever intertwined not only with the maritime climate but with the community, heritage and spirit of Wick.

With traditional warehouses exposed to the invigorating sea air blowing in off the North Sea, Old Pulteney captures the taste of the sea in every drop of its liquid gold. From subtle coastal chords to more defined salty notes, the flavour of our whiskies says much about the role and influence of our home. Our whiskies range from award-winning, definitive single malts to critically acclaimed limited-edition releases, each defined and shaped by our inspiringly distinctive and lively coastal location.

Address:

Huddart Street, Wick, Caithness KW1 5BA

This distillery is included as part of our Caithness & Orkney Tour.

Directions:

One of the northernmost distilleries in Scotland, but still within easy reach. The nearest airport is Wick, John O’Groats Airport, which is just one mile north of Wick. It runs flights to and from Aberdeen airport, where you can access connections to the rest of the UK, including Edinburgh and London.

Opening Hours:

Monday to Saturday: 10am – 5pm

Podcast:

In the March 2024 episode we spoke to Lukasz Dynowiak, Global Brand Ambassador at International Beverages.

Due to his role, Lukasz finds himself in the fortunate position of working with some amazing distilleries including Balblair, Pulteney, Speyburn and Knockdhu and so it will come as no surprise that there was plenty for himself and David to chat about. Listen as they delve into the history of each distillery with Lukasz explaining what it is that makes each of their malts so distinctive. Lukasz certainly has plenty of great stories to tell, so sit back relax and prepare to be fascinated…

Experiences:

THE SPIRIT OF WICK EXPERIENCE £25

Follow the journey of our single malt—from milling to maturation—and see how a coastal home and marine climate shape its unmistakable character. Clear, simple, and guided by one of our knowledgable team, this is your entry into Old Pulteney: grounded storytelling, a purposeful walk through the working heart of the distillery, and a tasting that lets the whisky speak for itself.

Duration: 1hr

THE MAKING OF THE MARITIME MALT EXPERIENCE £60

You’ll be led by our experienced guide, discovering the journey of our single malt from our water source to your glass. Next, you’ll be invited to the whisky tasting room, where you’ll explore our core range of single malt whiskies.

Duration: 1 hour 30 mins

THE MARITIME MASTERS EXPERIENCE £200

Our experienced tour guide will give you a full insight into our production process following the journey of our single malt to your glass. After a visit to our warehouse, the journey will continue through a whisky tasting adventure of our premium collection of single malt whiskies, including our 25-year-old and two exclusive single casks. Finally, you’ll receive a complimentary crystal malt blender glass to cherish.

Duration: 2hrs 30mins

Frequently Asked Questions

What experiences are available at Pulteney Distillery?

Pulteney Distillery offers a range of guided whisky experiences including The Spirit of Wick Experience, The Making of the Maritime Malt Experience, and The Maritime Masters Experience. Visitors can explore one of Scotland’s northernmost mainland distilleries, learn how coastal maturation shapes Old Pulteney whisky, and enjoy guided tastings ranging from core expressions to premium aged single malts and exclusive cask samples.

How long does a Pulteney Distillery tour take?

Most Pulteney Distillery experiences last between 1 hour and 2.5 hours depending on the tour selected. The Spirit of Wick Experience lasts around 1 hour, while The Maritime Masters Experience extends to approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

Is whisky tasting included at Pulteney Distillery?

Yes, whisky tasting is included in all Pulteney Distillery experiences. Guests can enjoy guided tastings of Old Pulteney single malt whisky, with premium experiences featuring aged expressions, cask samples and exclusive drams.

Do I need to book Pulteney Distillery tours in advance?

Advance booking is strongly recommended for Pulteney Distillery tours and tastings, as experiences operate on scheduled times with limited spaces available

What are the opening hours of Pulteney Distillery Visitor Centre?

Pulteney Distillery Visitor Centre is generally open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm between April and September, and Monday to Friday from 10am to 4:30pm between October and March. Opening times may vary seasonally.

Is Pulteney Distillery family friendly?

Pulteney Distillery welcomes visitors to its shop and public visitor areas. However, whisky tastings and guided tours are intended for adult visitors, with alcohol service restricted to those aged 18 and over.

Is Pulteney Distillery accessible?

Pulteney Distillery offers wheelchair access and support for visitors with mobility difficulties in key visitor areas. Assistance dogs are welcome and admission is free for essential carers. Some production areas may have limited access due to the historic nature of the site.

Is parking available at Pulteney Distillery?

Yes, parking is available near Pulteney Distillery for visitors attending tours and tastings. The distillery is located within the town of Wick and is easily accessible from the North Coast 500 route.

Does Pulteney Distillery have a café or shop?

Pulteney Distillery has a visitor shop offering Old Pulteney whisky, gifts and exclusive bottlings. Visitors can also enjoy tasting experiences and browse distillery merchandise on site.

Where is Pulteney Distillery located?

Pulteney Distillery is located on Huddart Street in Wick, Caithness, Scotland (KW1 5BA), close to the North Sea coast and along the North Coast 500 route.