Smooth with a Hint of Brine: Presenting the Oldest Old Pulteney Whisky Yet

Sunday, 17 August 2025 at 08:02

The Distillers One of One auction is fast approaching, and that means that gems of exclusive whiskies are arriving. Old Pulteney outdoes itself for a good cause, launching its oldest single malt whisky yet. This is what you need to know about Polaris.

This article was previously published on our Dutch website.

FAQ

What exactly is Polaris? A 47-year-old single malt from Old Pulteney, the oldest release yet from the Pulteney distillery.

Where can you buy it? Only through the Distillers One of One Charity Auction in October 2025.

What is Distillers One of One? The Distillers One of One Charity Auction is an exclusive whisky auction where unique bottles are bid for the benefit of disadvantaged youths in Scotland.

What is Polaris, the oldest Old Pulteney whisky ever?

Specially for Distillers One of One, the Pulteney Distillery team delved into their cellars. Their oldest whisky was maturing there: Polaris. The last edition (in 2023) saw the distillery release a 45-year-old whisky, a mark that has been exceeded this year.

The whisky is a 47-year-old single malt that was initially matured for 40 years in bourbon casks. The content of these casks was then transferred into Spanish oak casks, where the whisky aged for an additional 7 years.

There isn't much of the whisky, just a 1.5 liter bottle, which will go under the hammer in October for Distillers One of One.

A tribute to Wick

During this auction, which occurs every two years, always unique whiskies go under the hammer. The proceeds go to disadvantaged youths in Scotland. Often, the whiskies auctioned are only released once and bottled in a unique decanter.

The Old Pulteney Polaris 47 Year Old Single Malt Whisky is no exception. The whisky is bottled in a decanter that sits in a large piece of slate, making it a unique collectible. The glass bottle is hand-blown and designed by an artist from Caithness and Tain.

The slate block pays tribute to the cliffs of Wick's North Scottish coast. That's where the harbors are located that give the Old Pulteney whisky its character.

Fun fact: Pulteney is one of the few distilleries that matures its whisky in a seaport.

How does the Old Pulteney Polaris 47 Year Old whisky taste?

Although the chance of tasting the whisky yourself is slim, the distillery has invited a few experts to write tasting notes. This has revealed a flavor profile with salty notes, dried fruit, dark chocolate, and candied citrus.

Spirits writer and author Dave Broom describes the whisky as a walk on a cliff:

‘The taste is full and waxy, a blend of soft, late-harvest fruit with cedar-like tannins and a hint of salt evoking a windy cliff.’

- Dave Broom

Whisky writer Jonny McCormick is also smitten with the taste of the Old Pulteney. He describes the color as rich amber with golden highlights. The whisky opens with a 'bold coastal nose' followed by the taste:

‘The taste is silky smooth and vibrant, with Scottish chalkboard notes, citrus peel and a hint of grilled pineapple, cherry pie and toasted spices, all carried on a mineral base.‘

- Jonny McCormick

When is the Old Pulteney Polaris 47 Year Old whisky available for purchase?

The single bottle of Old Pulteney Polaris whisky ever to be bottled will be going under the hammer on October 10, 2025. This will take place at Hopetoun House in Scotland.

Since there is only one bottle of the whisky, a substantial yield is expected. The other exclusive whiskies to feature in the auction will be revealed in the coming time.