Old Pulteney celebrates two centuries of history with an exclusive single malt inspired by Sanlúcar Manzanilla
Old Pulteney distillery, one of northern Scotland’s most emblematic names, has begun its bicentenary celebrations with the launch of a special edition that pays tribute both to its maritime history and to one of the most distinctive influences in its story: Sherry wines.
The new expression, created to mark 200 years of activity at the Wick distillery, combines the tradition of coastal Scotch whisky with the character of casks that previously held manzanilla and oloroso, reinforcing a connection that has accompanied the brand for decades.
Two centuries facing the North Sea
Founded in 1826, Old Pulteney has remained for generations in Wick, a town on the northern coast of the Scottish Highlands. Its location has always been one of the defining elements of its identity.
For much of the 19th century, Wick was one of Europe’s leading fishing ports and a nerve centre of the herring industry. Every summer, thousands of workers arrived in the town to take part in the fishing seasons, making the harbour one of the busiest in the United Kingdom.
It was amid that intense activity that Pulteney distillery was born, its warehouses and stills living ever since with the salty wind coming in from the North Sea.
That maritime influence remains one of the brand’s hallmarks today. Low temperatures, constant humidity and proximity to the ocean help develop the distinctive aromatic profile that has brought its whiskies international recognition.
The origin of the nickname "The Manzanilla of the North"
Few Scottish distilleries have a nickname as unusual as Old Pulteney. For years, many enthusiasts and experts have known it as "The Manzanilla of the North", a reference that symbolically links the coasts of Scotland with those of Andalusia.
The comparison comes from the similarities some tasters find between the saline nuances present in manzanilla wines made in Sanlúcar de Barrameda and certain characteristic notes in Old Pulteney whiskies.
Both products share a strong marine influence. In the case of manzanilla, proximity to the Atlantic and Sanlúcar’s particular microclimate play a fundamental role during biological ageing under flor. In Wick, it is the salt-laden air from the North Sea that helps shape the whisky’s character during maturation.
A commemorative edition born from very special casks
The new limited edition created for the bicentenary stands out precisely for its use of casks linked to the world of Sherry wines.
The whisky was initially matured in American oak ex-bourbon casks before receiving additional ageing in casks that previously contained manzanilla and oloroso.
This combination aims to bring complexity and depth to the spirit, integrating the sweet and spicy notes of bourbon with the dry, saline and fruity nuances characteristic of Andalusian wines.
According to Sarah Burgess, the company’s whisky creation lead, the inspiration came after discovering old experimental batches in the warehouses that had been aged in manzanilla casks by previous generations of master distillers.
Those historic barrels served as the starting point for developing an edition that not only celebrates the distillery’s anniversary, but also revives a little-known part of its legacy.
Aromatic profile and tasting notes
This commemorative expression is bottled at 48% ABV and has been aged for ten years.
On the nose, aromas of creamy vanilla, fresh citrus, spiced nuts and caramelised pear stand out, accompanied by a characteristic maritime note that evokes the proximity of the ocean.
On the palate, layers of crème brûlée, intense vanilla, lemon zest and sweet spices appear, complemented by hints of chocolate with a subtle saline touch and echoes of cinnamon.
The finish offers medium-to-long persistence, balancing sweetness, spice and the classic coastal minerality that distinguishes Old Pulteney.
A collector’s piece for enthusiasts
The bottle has been presented under the name "Old Pulteney 200th Anniversary Distillery Exclusive" and, at least in this first phase, availability will be very limited.
The distillery has initially reserved sales for visitors to Wick and for registered members of its official mailing list, with no wider international distribution confirmed for the time being.
With a recommended price of £99, this edition is positioned as one of the most appealing releases for collectors and followers of the brand looking to acquire a piece linked to one of the most important anniversaries in recent Scotch whisky history.
Celebrations in Wick during the bicentenary
The 200th anniversary commemorations are not limited to the launch of this special bottle.
The distillery has also prepared an open day to coincide with the local Wick Harbour Day celebrations, a festivity that recalls the close relationship between the town and the sea.
Attendees will be able to tour the distillery’s historic facilities, take part in tastings of new expressions, enjoy live music and discover first-hand how a small distillery located in one of Scotland’s northernmost corners has become one of the great ambassadors of maritime single malt whisky.
Two hundred years after its foundation, Old Pulteney continues to show that time, tradition and the influence of the sea remain among the most valuable ingredients in the creation of great Scotch whisky.