Two centuries after first opening its doors in the windswept coastal town of Wick, Old Pulteney has unveiled a special limited-edition whisky to celebrate its 200th anniversary. Known as the “Maritime Malt”, the Highland distillery has long been recognised for producing whiskies shaped by the rugged northern coastline and salty sea air that surrounds its warehouses.

The new Old Pulteney 200th Anniversary Distillery Exclusive pays tribute to that heritage with a unique maturation process and a flavour profile designed to capture the essence of the distillery’s coastal character.

Celebrating Two Centuries of Coastal Whisky-Making

Founded in 1826, Old Pulteney has become one of Scotland’s most distinctive single malt producers. Situated in Wick on Scotland’s far northern coast, the distillery’s location has always played a defining role in the whisky it creates.

The sea breeze, maritime climate, and traditional production methods combine to give Old Pulteney whiskies their signature balance of sweetness, spice, and gentle salinity. Characteristics that whisky enthusiasts around the world have come to associate with the brand.

To commemorate its bicentenary, the distillery has introduced a 10-year-old single malt that reflects both its history and its innovative approach to maturation.

Read More: Old Pulteney Releases 13-Year-Old Scotch Expression

A First for Old Pulteney: Dual Sherry Cask Maturation

The 200th Anniversary Distillery Exclusive begins its maturation journey in American oak ex-Bourbon casks before undergoing an additional finishing period in both ex-Manzanilla and ex-Oloroso sherry casks, a first for the distillery.

This combination of cask influences has resulted in a whisky that layers Old Pulteney’s classic coastal notes with richer dried fruit sweetness and warming spice.

Bottled at 48% ABV, the anniversary release presents a golden hue in the glass and delivers a complex sensory profile.

Tasting Notes

On the nose, drinkers can expect aromas of:

• Vanilla
• Citrus zest
• Spiced dried fruits
• Polished oak
• Caramelised pear
• A subtle saline freshness

The palate develops into flavours of:

• Crème caramel
• Rich vanilla
• Lemon zest
• Salted chocolate
• Cinnamon spice

The finish is said to balance soft sweetness with the maritime saltiness that has become synonymous with Old Pulteney’s house style.

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“The Manzanilla of the North”

Sarah Burgess, master of whisky creation at Old Pulteney, explained the inspiration behind the release and the significance of the cask selection.

She noted that Old Pulteney has often been referred to as the “Manzanilla of the North”, making the discovery of spirit previously matured in ex-Manzanilla casks feel especially meaningful for the anniversary bottling.

According to Burgess, the combination of the gentle salinity from the Manzanilla casks and the richer influence of the ex-Oloroso casks has created a whisky that perfectly captures the distillery’s coastal DNA while introducing new layers of sweetness and depth.

Distillery Open Day Planned for Wick Community

The anniversary celebrations extend beyond the bottle itself. On 20 June, Old Pulteney will open the doors of its Wick distillery for a special community open day marking the 200-year milestone.

Visitors from the local area will have the opportunity to explore the newly refreshed brand home and take part in a range of complimentary experiences, including:

• A welcome whisky Highball
• A guided 45-minute distillery tour
• A tasting of the new anniversary release
• Live music and canapés
• Exclusive Old Pulteney gifts

Distillery manager Malcolm Waring highlighted the importance of Wick to Old Pulteney’s identity, describing the town as being inseparable from the whisky itself.

The event is designed to bring together staff, families, and local residents to celebrate the shared history between the distillery and the community that has supported it for generations.

A Landmark Release for Collectors and Enthusiasts

Limited-edition anniversary releases often attract strong interest from whisky collectors, particularly when they showcase experimental maturation techniques or commemorate major milestones in a distillery’s history.

With its distinctive dual sherry cask finish and strong connection to Old Pulteney’s maritime heritage, the 200th Anniversary Distillery Exclusive is likely to appeal to both long-time fans of the brand and collectors seeking commemorative Scotch whisky releases.

The whisky is available exclusively through Old Pulteney’s distillery in Wick and via its official website, priced at £99.

Start Your Whisky Investment Journey With UKV

Old Pulteney’s 200th Anniversary Distillery Exclusive serves as both a celebration of the distillery’s past and a statement about its future. By combining traditional coastal character with innovative cask maturation, the release captures the essence of what has made Old Pulteney one of Scotland’s most recognisable maritime single malts for two centuries.

For collectors, enthusiasts, and investors alike, milestone releases such as this demonstrate the continued global demand for distinctive Scotch whisky with provenance and heritage.

To learn more about rare whisky releases, cask investment opportunities, and the latest developments in the whisky market, explore the expertise available through UKV International.