Distillery

Pittyvaich

피티바이크

Pittyvaich was a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky distillery founded in 1975 by Arthur Bell & Sons in Dufftown, Scotland. It was built close to the company's existing Dufftown Distillery primarily to provide additional malt whisky for Bell's blended Scotch, which was experiencing strong demand at the time. Designed as a modern and functional production facility rather than a visitor-focused distillery, Pittyvaich initially operated with two stills before its capacity was expanded to four. The distillery had an exceptionally short life. Following the acquisition of Arthur Bell & Sons by Guinness and the subsequent formation of United Distillers, a rationalisation of Scotch whisky production capacity led to Pittyvaich being considered surplus to requirements. It ceased whisky production in 1993, only eighteen years after its establishment, and the distillery buildings were demolished in 2002. Pittyvaich is therefore regarded today as one of Scotland's notable ghost distilleries. Although most of its spirit was originally intended for blended Scotch whisky, Pittyvaich was released as a single malt in the Flora & Fauna range in 1991. Stocks remaining after the closure have subsequently appeared in a small number of rare official and independent bottlings, including several Diageo Special Releases. The distillery's character is generally associated with a smooth texture and a light, creamy and fruity style. Long maturation in American oak can add considerable richness and complexity, with surviving expressions displaying notes of orchard and tropical fruits, vanilla, gentle spices and oak. With no further spirit being produced, the remaining Pittyvaich stocks have become increasingly rare and collectible.