History

• Pittyvaich was founded in 1974 by Arthur Bell & Sons and served as a sister company to the Dufftown distillery, with the purpose of producing malt for blends. Production began in 1975. The distillery was an experimental facility where new methods and techniques were tested only for a few months each year. In 1993 it closed, and the buildings were demolished in 2002. Pittyvaich is located in Dufftown in the northeast Highlands at the confluence of the Fiddich and Dullan rivers and was part of the Dufftown community. There are only four original bottlings; the best known is Pittyvaich 12 Year Flora & Fauna (launched in 1991, now discontinued), as well as three special editions for 20, 25 and 27 years. Additionally, occasional independent bottlings from Signatory and Cadenhead’s occur; these are very rare. Today Pittyvaich whisky is in limited circulation only in a few and older releases launched by Diageo.

Production / Manufacturing

• Two sets of stills, identical to those at Dufftown, were used. Pittyvaich Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in both American bourbon casks and European sherry casks. The distillery is no longer active today, but some long-aged whiskies remain in circulation and are released by Diageo. A notable bottling is Pittyvaich 25 Years Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

Products / Whisky Series

• Original bottlings: Pittyvaich 12 Year Flora & Fauna (launched in 1991, now discontinued).
• Three special editions for 20, 25 and 27 years.
• Special releases by independent bottlers such as Signatory and Cadenhead’s are rare.
• Pittyvaich 25 Years Single Malt Scotch Whisky is noted as one of the quality bottlings for collectors and fans of Speyside malt.

Visits / Experiences

• Tours are not available. The distillery was demolished in 2002; the buildings no longer exist.

Philosophy

• Pittyvaich was regarded as an experimental distillery, where new methods and techniques were tested only for a few months each year; the aim was to produce malt for blending.