Old Pulteney unveils Polaris, a one-of-a-kind 47-year-old masterpiece

Here’s something that’ll get collectors’ pulses racing – Old Pulteney has just dropped news of their most ambitious release ever. Meet Polaris, a 47-year-old single malt that’s not just the distillery’s oldest expression to date, but comes wrapped in what can only be described as a work of art.

This isn’t your typical limited edition bottle job. We’re talking about a proper collaboration with local Caithness artisans that captures everything that makes Old Pulteney special. The whisky sits in a hand-blown blue glass bottle from Tain-based Glasstorm, with artistic cuts that mimic the North Sea’s turbulent waters. But here’s where it gets really interesting – the whole thing is encased in Caithness slate from Norse Stone, with copper and silver elements integrated by local jeweller Lucy Woodley.

The real kicker? There’s a copper disc at the base that’s been reclaimed from an actual Old Pulteney still. You’re literally getting a piece of distillery history with your dram.

As for the liquid itself, this is maritime whisky at its most refined. Four decades in American oak ex-bourbon casks followed by seven years in a single first-fill Spanish oak butt has created something special at 43.6% ABV. The tasting notes from Dave Broom and Jonny McCormick paint a picture of serious complexity – we’re talking stone fruits and citrus on the nose, that signature Old Pulteney salinity, plus layers of vanilla, dark chocolate, and Scottish tablet on the palate.

Malcolm Waring at the distillery is understandably chuffed, calling it a reflection of their authentic maritime character shaped by decades of salt-laden Caithness air. It’s also perfectly timed as a curtain-raiser for Old Pulteney’s 200th anniversary celebrations in 2026.

There’s just one catch – you can only get your hands on this 1.5L showpiece (plus 100ml tasting sample) at the Distillers One of One Charity Auction at Hopetoun House on October 10th, 2025. All proceeds go to The Distillers’ Charity, specifically supporting their Youth Action Fund for disadvantaged young people in Scotland.

This is craft whisky presentation taken to museum-piece levels, and with Old Pulteney’s growing reputation, it’s going to be fascinating to see what this fetches at auction.