HRH Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, Visits Pulteney.

01/08/2005

His Royal Highness The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay enjoyed 'Whisky Galore' today (1st August) at Pulteney Distillery in Wick, meeting with staff to enjoy a dram and explore one of the Caithness area's tourist attractions.

HRH toured the distillery, based in the heart of the town, and chatted to staff and visitors there for over an hour. Discussing the production techniques at Pulteney - which produces Old Pulteney Single Malt - HRH was keen to learn more about traditional way in which the whisky is made and complemented his conversation with a large dram of 12 year old Single Malt, which he noted as 'superb'.

Whilst drinking his whisky neat without water, HRH also said that he was to be sure to enjoy Old Pulteney at the forthcoming Mey Games, which takes place in the local area next weekend.

Graham MacWilliam, Group Distilleries Manager for Inver House Distillers said: "The visit was fantastic and it is great to receive the support of HRH. He was especially interested in the way in which we operate here and seemed very supportive of the fact that we are a small, real working distillery that prides itself on traditions passed down generation-by-generation.

"He also made a point of saying that he enjoyed Old Pulteney and seemed to relish the tasting, so we were delighted to be able to gift him with his own cask."

During his visit, The Prince filled his own bespoke, first-fill sherry cask of Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky, specially selected by distillery manager, Fred Sinclair. Presented to mark the occasion, HRH hammered the bung in himself and the cask will now quietly mature in the distillery's warehouse for at least ten years until the optimum maturity of the whisky is reached. A cask strength 16 year old hand-bottled presentation of the Pulteney Single Malt was also received by HRH.

As Scotland's most northerly mainland distillery, Pulteney Distillery produces Old Pulteney Single Malt - a whisky that is gathering an impressive reputation - and is also home to a number of innovative developments, including a local District Heating Scheme and new natural water filtration technology.

HRH also heard that solar electricity generators are being considered for the distillery following the success of a similar green project in Wick's Harbour area. It's hoped that their installation would mirror the accomplishments of the Harbour project by incorporating renewable energy into the production of Old Pulteney.

Pulteney distillery is also considering the introduction of water turbines, which would reduce the level of carbon dioxide emissions, as well as generating electricity.

Graham added: "With all of the exciting developments that are taking place at the distillery just now, it was wonderful to have HRH visit us to find out more about Old Pulteney. It was the perfect time to welcome him and we're delighted that he came."

For further information, please contact Pamela Scobbie of Burt Greener Communications on 0141 248 6007 / 07717874769 or pam@burtgreener.co.uk

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