Pittyvaich

The Closed Pittyvaich Distillery

The world of Scotch whisky is rich with stories of lost distilleries, each with its own unique history and charm. One such story is that of the Pittyvaich Distillery. While it may not be as well-known as other iconic names, Pittyvaich has earned a place in the annals of whisky history. This distillery, operational for only a short time, has left a lasting impression on enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Founding and History

Pittyvaich Distillery was established in 1974 in Dufftown, a town often referred to as the "whisky capital" of Scotland. The distillery was built by Arthur Bell & Sons Ltd, a company renowned for its blends. Pittyvaich was intended to support the demand for single malt whisky for use in blends, particularly for the popular Bell's blended whisky.

The choice of Dufftown was no coincidence. This region in Speyside is famous for its exceptional whiskies and boasts an abundance of natural resources and the perfect climatic conditions for whisky production and maturation. The proximity to the rivers Fiddich and Dullan ensured a plentiful water supply, a crucial element in the distillation process.

Production and Style

Pittyvaich was equipped with two wash stills and two spirit stills, a setup designed to produce a delicate and refined spirit. The distillery primarily produced for blends, but occasionally single malts were bottled. Pittyvaich's whisky was known for its light and fruity character, with notes of green apples, pear, vanilla, and a subtle spiciness.

The production process at Pittyvaich followed the traditional methods characteristic of Speyside whiskies. The water, sourced from local springs, was mixed with malted barley, initiating the fermentation process. The resulting wash was then distilled in copper stills, where the skill of the distillers was crucial in determining the quality and character of the final spirit.

Closure and Impact

Despite Pittyvaich's potential as a producer of high-quality whisky, its operational period lasted only 18 years. In 1993, the distillery was closed by United Distillers, the successor to Arthur Bell & Sons Ltd. The closure resulted from an overcapacity in the whisky industry, combined with strategic restructurings within the company. In 2002, the distillery was completely demolished, leaving few physical traces of this once-promising site.

The closure of Pittyvaich was lamented by enthusiasts and collectors, especially since the distillery was widely appreciated for the quality of its spirit. Although production ceased, some stocks remained, which were bottled in later years. These rare releases have since become highly sought after by collectors, particularly among aficionados of Speyside whiskies.

Legacy and Heritage

Pittyvaich's legacy lives on in the limited bottlings that still appear on the market. These releases, often from independent bottlers or as special editions from Diageo (the current owner of the brand name), offer a glimpse into what the distillery had to offer. The whiskies are characterized by their refined flavor profile and complexity, traits often associated with the best Speyside malts.

In 2009, a 20-year-old Pittyvaich was released as part of Diageo's Special Releases, a collection featuring rare and exceptional whiskies. This bottling received critical acclaim and served as a reminder of the distillery's quality and potential. Since then, other older casks have been sporadically bottled, often garnering similar appreciation and interest.

Conclusion

The history of Pittyvaich Distillery is a story of high expectations, brief production, and lasting legacy. Although the distillery itself was operational for only a short period, it has left a lasting mark on the world of Scotch whisky. The rare bottlings that remain serve as a tribute to the skill and dedication of those involved with Pittyvaich.

For enthusiasts and collectors, Pittyvaich offers a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era of whisky production. The story of this distillery reminds us that the world of whisky is ever-changing, with new distilleries emerging and others fading away. The spirit of Pittyvaich lives on in the glasses of those fortunate enough to enjoy these rare whiskies, a tangible testament to a lost but not forgotten era in the rich history of Scotch whisky.